Del Rio history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Del Rio is inextricably linked to the San Felipe Springs, which create a true oasis in the semi-arid climate of Texas. Although Spanish explorers named this place San Felipe del Rio as early as the 17th century, a permanent settlement began to form only after the American Civil War.

The official starting point for the development of the modern city can be considered the late 1860s, when the "San Felipe Agricultural, Manufacturing and Irrigation Company" was established. In 1883, at the request of the postal department, the long name of the settlement was shortened to the concise Del Rio.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of a small settlement into a thriving city was driven by a combination of unique geography and technological progress:

• Water Resources: The powerful San Felipe Springs provided water not only for residents but also for an extensive irrigation system, which was critical for survival in the arid region.
• Railroad: The arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1882 opened the region to mass trade and an influx of new residents.
• Geographic Location: Its location on the border with Mexico, by the Rio Grande river, made the city an important trade and transport hub.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of early Del Rio was based on agriculture, which flourished thanks to irrigation. The city quickly became a centre for sheep farming and wool production, earning a reputation as one of the "wool capitals" of the region.

A unique feature of the local culture was the development of viticulture. Italian immigrants, who appreciated the local climate and access to water, founded the Val Verde Winery here in 1883. It is still in operation today and is the oldest continuously operating winery in Texas, symbolizing the city's rich multicultural heritage.

Major Milestones in History

• 1635 — Spanish explorers reach San Felipe Springs for the first time, noting their strategic importance in the region.
• 1864 — Foundation of the first permanent settlement by San Felipe Creek, which would later grow into the city.
• 1868 — Creation of the irrigation company, allowing arid lands to be turned into fertile agricultural grounds.
• 1882 — The Southern Pacific Railroad connects the settlement with the rest of the country, stimulating economic growth.
• 1883 — The postal department approves the shortened name of the city — Del Rio.
• 1885 — The city is chosen as the administrative centre (county seat) of the newly formed Val Verde County.
• 1911 — Del Rio is officially incorporated and receives city status with its own self-government.
• 1929 — Opening of the bridge across the Rio Grande river, strengthening transport links with the Mexican city of Ciudad Acuña.
• 1942 — Establishment of Laughlin Air Force Base (Laughlin AFB), which became a major pilot training centre for the US Air Force.
• 1969 — Completion of the Amistad Dam, a joint project between the USA and Mexico for flood control and reservoir creation.
• 1990 — The area around the reservoir receives the status of Amistad National Recreation Area, attracting thousands of tourists.

Stages of Urban and Economic Development

The history of Del Rio is a journey from an agrarian settlement to an important international hub. Key stages of the city's transformation defined its modern appearance and economic profile:

• Irrigation Revolution (Late 19th Century): The creation of an extensive canal system from San Felipe Springs was the first urban planning breakthrough. This allowed arid lands to be turned into fertile orchards and vineyards, laying the foundation for an economy based on agriculture and sheep farming.
• Railroad Integration (1882): Connection to the Southern Pacific Railroad network brought the city out of isolation. Del Rio became a key point for shipping wool and livestock, leading to the construction of brick buildings in the city centre and the formation of permanent urban infrastructure.
• Militarisation of the Economy (1942): The opening of Laughlin AFB radically changed demographics and employment. The base became a city-forming enterprise, attracting thousands of specialists and ensuring a stable flow of federal investment into the service sector and housing construction.
• Hydrotechnical Transformation (1969): The construction of the Amistad Dam — a joint project of the US and Mexican presidents — not only solved the flood problem but also created a new tourism industry. The appearance of a huge reservoir turned the city into a popular resort for anglers and water sports enthusiasts.
• Border Trade Development (Late 20th Century): The growth of the "maquiladora" industry in the neighbouring Mexican city of Ciudad Acuña strengthened Del Rio's role as a logistics hub. The modernisation of the international bridge and customs infrastructure cemented the city's status as an important trade gateway between Texas and Mexico.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Del Rio is a visual chronicle of the Texas borderlands, where Mexican building traditions, the practicality of early settlers, and the ambitions of the railroad boom era mixed. The city may not boast Baroque palaces, but its buildings possess a unique charm reflecting the harsh climate and rich history of the region.

Settlement Era: Traditional Style and Adobe

The earliest buildings in the city were dictated by the need for protection from the heat. In the late 19th century, vernacular architecture using local materials dominated here.

• Materials: Adobe and local limestone. Thick walls helped keep the interiors cool.
• Style: Simple single-storey structures with flat or low-pitched roofs, characteristic of northern Mexico and the US Southwest.
• Example: The Val Verde Winery building. This is a classic example of climate adaptation: thick adobe walls have been protecting wine barrels from the scorching Texas sun for over a century.

Railroad Boom: Commercial Eclecticism

With the arrival of the railroad in the 1880s, the appearance of the city centre began to change rapidly. Adobe was replaced by fired brick, brought by trains, and local hewn stone.

• Period: Late 19th — early 20th century.
• Style: Commercial style with elements of the Victorian era and Italianate style. Buildings often feature decorative cornices and arched windows.
• District: The historic centre along South Main Street. A classic American "downtown" formed here with shops on the ground floors and offices or housing on the upper floors.

Civic Architecture: Neoclassicism and Neo-Gothic

When Del Rio established itself as the county administrative centre, the city required monumental buildings symbolizing law and order.

• Neoclassicism (Classical Revival): The brightest example is the Val Verde County Courthouse. Built of light limestone, it stands out with stern columns and a dome, demonstrating the solidity of authority.
• Neo-Gothic (Gothic Revival): This style is reflected in religious structures. The Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with its soaring spires and pointed windows, is an architectural landmark of the old part of the city.

Mid-20th Century: Modernism and Functionalism

The development of Laughlin AFB and the construction of Amistad Dam brought new trends to the city. The city began to expand northward, where neighbourhoods of Ranch-style houses appeared — single-storey homes with low roofs and garages, oriented towards motorists. Public buildings of this period are distinguished by functionality and minimalism, characteristic of post-war American modernism.

Landmarks Shaping the Atmosphere

• Brown Plaza: The heart of the historic San Felipe district. The square with a traditional bandstand (kiosk) in the centre is a vivid example of Mexican urban planning influence, serving as a venue for fiestas and public gatherings.
• Whitehead Memorial Museum: A complex consisting of several historic buildings, including an exact replica of Judge Roy Bean's "Jersey Lilly" saloon, demonstrating frontier life.

Notable Figures of Del Rio

The history of Del Rio is rich with colourful characters, from Wild West legends to industry innovators and modern cultural figures. These people played a key role in forming the unique character of the city.

• Judge Roy Bean
  Justice of the Peace, Frontier Legend
  Although his famous court was located in nearby Langtry, the "Law West of the Pecos" is inextricably linked to the region's history. Roy Bean is buried on the grounds of the Whitehead Museum in Del Rio, where his legacy is preserved. He became a symbol of justice (albeit a peculiar one) of the Wild West era.
• Frank Qualia
  Winemaker, Agronomist
  An Italian immigrant who founded the Val Verde Winery in 1883. His contribution to the city's agricultural development cannot be overestimated: he proved that the local climate and San Felipe Springs water are ideal for growing Lenoir grapes. The enterprise he founded is the oldest operating winery in Texas.
• John R. Brinkley
  Radio Pioneer, Doctor (Controversial Figure)
  One of the most eccentric figures of the 1930s. Brinkley built a luxurious mansion in Del Rio and operated the powerful XER (later XERA) radio station across the border in Mexico. Despite his questionable medical practice, his radio station revolutionized broadcasting, popularizing country music and blues across the entire USA.
• Jack T. Laughlin
  Military Pilot
  Pilot of a B-17 "Flying Fortress" bomber. He became the first native of Del Rio to die during World War II (over Java in the early days of the conflict). The US Air Force base Laughlin Air Force Base is named in his honour; today it is the largest employer and economic engine of the city.
• Radney Foster
  Country Musician, Songwriter
  A native of Del Rio who achieved international recognition in the world of country music. His work often refers to his roots and life in South Texas. The album "Del Rio, TX 1959" is considered a classic of the genre and made the city's name famous in popular culture.
• Larvell Blanks
  Professional Baseball Player
  Born in Del Rio, he had a successful career in Major League Baseball (MLB) in the 1970s, playing for teams such as the Atlanta Braves and Cleveland Indians. He serves as an example of sporting achievements by natives of this small city.