Cameron County Historical Commission

06/02/2026

Check out these Texan podcast!

Sure, you can walk the walk, but can you talk the talk? These Texans can. We've rounded up a talkative bunch of Texans who can tell you a thing or two about

05/30/2026

🎨✨ Looking for something fun, inspiring, and FREE to do in Harlingen? Come explore the Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum!

Discover fascinating history, beautiful art exhibits, and unique stories that celebrate our community—all with FREE admission year-round! Whether you’re visiting for the first time or stopping by again, there’s always something new to experience.

📍 2425 Boxwood St. | Harlingen, TX

🕙 Museum Hours:
Tuesday–Saturday: 10 AM – 4 PM
Closed Sunday & Monday

Bring the family, invite a friend, and spend the day soaking up history, art, and culture right here in Harlingen! 🖼️✨

05/26/2026

Excited to share that the City of Harlingen will be hosting our first Historic Preservation Workshop on Thursday, May 28th at 5:30 PM at Town Hall! 🏛️

This workshop is a great opportunity to learn more about Harlingen’s new Historic Preservation Program, current preservation efforts, local landmarks, historic districts, COAs, and future goals for protecting and celebrating our city’s history.

We encourage downtown property owners, business owners, and community members to attend and be part of the conversation as we continue preserving Harlingen’s historic character for future generations. ❤️

05/25/2026

Did you know, 27 million years ago a volcanic eruption covered what is today Rio Grande City in more than 60 feet of ash? 🌋Minerals in this volcanic ash created a petrified palm forest in Starr County, 🌴and deposits of uranium in South Texas?

The Rio Grande Valley is a special place, full of discovery. Join the filmmakers behind the award winning documentary "Ancient Landscapes of South Texas: Hiding in Plain Sight" for a screening and Q&A, exploring 50-million years of geologic history of the RGV, Thursday, May 28.

✨Doors open at 6:30pm
✨Film screens at 7:00pm
🌮 Come by early to beat the line for freshly made quesadillas by the one and only .tx

This program is FREE with General Admission. Culinary concept is at separate charge.

05/18/2026

05/15/2026

Join us for the City of Harlingen’s Historic Preservation Workshop as we continue working together to celebrate, protect, and preserve the places that tell our community’s story. 🏛️

This Town Hall workshop will also serve as a meet and greet with your Historic Preservation Council members and Historic Preservation Officer. Community members will have the opportunity to learn more about the first steps of the City’s Historic Preservation Program, ask questions, and hear about future preservation efforts in Harlingen.

Whether you are a property owner, history enthusiast, downtown stakeholder, or simply interested in local history, we invite you to attend and be part of this exciting new chapter for our community.

📅 May 28, 2026
🕠 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
📍 Town Hall | 118 E. Tyler Ave.

We look forward to seeing you there as we work together to preserve Harlingen’s historic character for future generations.

05/14/2026

These vintage motels were part of the early days of island tourism, welcoming generations of families, fishermen, and beachgoers to SPI. 🌊

Now we want to hear from YOU 👀

👇 Can you name these two motels in the photo?

And if you stayed here, worked here, or have memories connected to them...share your story in the comments!

South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce

05/04/2026

Reminder! This Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park, the 180th anniversary will be observed. Come out and enjoy the festivities!

04/21/2026

The final, shocking, and decisive conflict of the Texas Revolution took place on April 21, 1836. During the Battle of San Jacinto, Gen. Sam Houston and his army of nearly 950 Texian soldiers routed Gen. Santa Anna’s force of more than 1,200—in just 18 minutes.

Screened by trees and rising ground, Houston’s men formed with Edward Burleson’s regiment at center, Sidney Sherman’s on the left wing, artillery under George W. Hockley on Burleson’s right, and the infantry under Henry Millard on the right of the artillery.

Under Mirabeau B. Lamar, the cavalry took the extreme right to cut off possible flight of Mexican troops. With their four-piece band playing a popular love song, “Will You Come to the Bower,” the Texians attacked at a run, crying, “Remember the Alamo! Remember Goliad!”

Such was their fury that 630 of the enemy were killed and 730 captured. An enemy shot shattered Gen. Houston’s ankle, but he lost only nine men (killed or mortally wounded).

Today, San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site in La Porte preserves the ground where this‍ decisive victory secured Texas independence. The 1,200-acre site includes the San Jacinto Monument, the San Jacinto Museum, and the historic battleground itself. Completed in 1939, the 567-foot-tall San Jacinto Monument stands as a lasting tribute to those who fought and sacrificed there.

Plan your own visit: visitsanjacinto.com