Harlingen history

Founding and First Mentions

The history of Harlingen begins in 1904, when Lon C. Hill, a visionary lawyer and developer, planned the territory for a future settlement on the northern bank of the Arroyo Colorado River. Harlingen received official city status on April 15, 1910, when residents voted for its incorporation. The name was not chosen by chance: it was named in honour of the city of Harlingen in the Netherlands, reflecting the founder's ambitious plans to create a large-scale canal system reminiscent of the Dutch model.

Key Factors of Establishment

The city's rapid development from a small settlement into an important regional centre was driven by a combination of geographical and infrastructural advantages:

• Railway: A decisive moment was the construction of the St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway line. Harlingen became a key junction where tracks intersected, ensuring reliable connections with the northern states.
• Irrigation: Utilising the waters of the Arroyo Colorado and constructing pumping stations allowed semi-desert lands to be transformed into fertile fields, laying the foundation for prosperity.
• Geography: Its favourable location in the centre of the Rio Grande Valley made the city a natural point for trade and the distribution of goods.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the first decades of the 20th century, Harlingen's economy relied entirely on agriculture. The city became a hub for growing and transporting vegetables, cotton, and the famous Texas citrus fruits. Thanks to its status as a transport hub and its commercial activity, Harlingen quickly acquired the reputation of the "Capital of the Rio Grande Valley," attracting farmers, merchants, and settlers seeking new opportunities in the southern United States.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1904 — Lon C. Hill officially founds the settlement, naming it after a city in the Netherlands and planning canal development.
• 1910 — Harlingen receives official city status following a successful vote by local residents for incorporation.
• 1920s — The city experiences an economic boom thanks to the expansion of irrigation networks and mass cultivation of citrus crops.
• 1941 — The Harlingen Army Airfield opens, becoming a major centre for training aerial gunners during the Second World War.
• 1952 — The military facility resumes operations as Harlingen Air Force Base, specialising in training navigators during the Cold War period.
• 1962 — The final closure of the military base stimulates the repurposing of its infrastructure into a civilian airport and educational institutions.
• 1965 — The private Marine Military Academy opens on the grounds of the former military town.
• 1967 — A campus is founded for an educational institution that subsequently transforms into the Texas State Technical College (TSTC).
• 1982 — The Iwo Jima Monument (the original full-sized working model) is installed in the city, becoming one of the main tourist attractions.
• 2002 — The opening of the Regional Academic Health Center marks Harlingen's emergence as a key medical hub in South Texas.

Stages of Urban Planning and Economy

Harlingen's development is a story of constant adaptation and strategic resource use. The city has journeyed from an agrarian settlement to a modern centre of medicine and logistics, and each of these transformations has left its mark on its appearance.

• Transport Start (Early 20th Century). The arrival of the St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway was a catalyst for growth. Harlingen turned from a dot on the map into the region's main logistics node, securing its role as the "gateway" for exporting goods to the north of the country.
• Irrigation Revolution. The construction of an extensive network of canals, inspired by Dutch expertise, radically changed the landscape. Semi-desert lands became fertile plantations, cementing the city's status as a centre for citrus and cotton farming.
• Military Industrialisation (1940s–1950s). The operation of the Air Force base led to a population boom and active construction of residential quarters. The military presence ensured an influx of federal funds and the development of urban infrastructure beyond agricultural needs.
• Smart Conversion (1960s). The closure of the military base was a challenge the city handled brilliantly. Instead of abandonment, the territories were repurposed: runways became the foundation of an international airport, while barracks and training corps became bases for colleges. This decision preserved economic stability.
• Educational Rise. The opening of the Texas State Technical College (TSTC) and the Marine Military Academy diversified the economy. The city began to attract students and faculty, which contributed to cultural enrichment and the growth of skilled personnel.
• Medical Hub (21st Century). The creation of the Regional Academic Health Center and the expansion of clinic networks transformed Harlingen into a leader in medical services for South Texas. This direction became a new economic driver, reducing dependence on the agrarian sector.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Development

Since Harlingen was founded in the early 20th century, ancient architectural layers like Gothic or Baroque are absent here. The city's appearance is a visual encyclopaedia of American urban planning of the last century, where the functionality of a railway junction intertwines with the aesthetics of South Texas.

Founding Era and Early Commercial Architecture (1900–1920)

The initial development of the city was dictated by the needs of the railway and trade. The city centre formed along the tracks, creating a grid of streets classic to the American West.

• Style: Early 20th Century Commercial.
• Characteristic Features: One- and two-storey brick buildings, functional facades with large display windows, and modest cornice decor.
• Location: The historic Jackson Street district. Today, this is the heart of the city, where the atmosphere of old Texas is preserved, and buildings have been carefully restored as shops, cafes, and antique stores.

The 1920s Boom: Neo-Colonial Style and Ambitions

The economic rise associated with agriculture led to the appearance of more expressive and prestigious buildings. During this period, architecture referencing the region's Spanish heritage became popular in the Rio Grande Valley.

• Style: Spanish Colonial Revival and Mission Revival.
• Characteristic Features: Light-coloured stucco facades, red tile roofs, arched openings, and wrought-iron decorative elements.
• Landmark Object: The Baxter Building. Built in 1927, this nine-storey structure was the tallest in the region for a long time. It became a symbol of the city's prosperity and a striking example of the commercial architecture of that era.

Mid-20th Century: Modernism and Military Influence (1940–1960)

The Second World War period and the post-war years brought austerity and functionalism to the city, driven by the development of the military base and population growth.

• Style: Mid-Century Modern and Ranch style.
• Urban Planning: The city began to expand beyond the historic centre. Residential neighbourhoods appeared with single-storey "ranch" type houses, characteristic of US suburbs of that time.
• Infrastructure: Buildings of the former garrison and airport (now Valley International Airport) represent examples of utilitarian military architecture, which was later adapted for civilian needs, including educational campuses.

Modernity: Functionalism and Medical Cluster

In recent decades, the architectural vector has shifted towards modern public and specialised buildings, reflecting Harlingen's role as a medical centre.

• Style: Modern Functionalism.
• Features: The use of glass, steel, and concrete. Hospital complexes and the Regional Academic Health Center dominate the new development areas, creating the image of a modern, developing city.

Famous Natives and Residents

Harlingen has become home or the birthplace for many talented individuals who have left a significant mark on the history, culture, sports, and science of the USA. Here are some of the most distinguished personalities associated with the city:

• Lon C. Hill
  Role: City founder, entrepreneur, and developer.
  Significance: A key figure in the region's history. In the early 20th century, Hill not only founded Harlingen but also designed its street network, organised the construction of irrigation canals, and secured the laying of the railway, which laid the foundation for the city's economic prosperity.
• Bill Haley
  Role: Musician, one of the "fathers" of rock and roll.
  Significance: Leader of the legendary group Bill Haley & His Comets and performer of the hit "Rock Around the Clock," which changed world music. The musician chose Harlingen as his place of residence in his final years; he passed away here in 1981.
• Bobby Morrow
  Role: Track and field athlete, Olympic champion.
  Significance: A native of the city who became a US national hero. At the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne, he won three gold medals in sprinting, earning the title of the "fastest man in the world." The city stadium and a gymnasium are named in his honour.
• Harry Nyquist
  Role: Distinguished engineer, physicist, and information theorist.
  Significance: A scientist whose work (including the famous Nyquist–Shannon sampling theorem) laid the foundation for digital signal processing and modern telecommunications. He spent his retirement years in Harlingen, living here until his death.
• Rachel McLish
  Role: Professional bodybuilder, actress, and author.
  Significance: Born and raised in Harlingen. Entered history as the first winner of the prestigious "Ms. Olympia" contest (1980). Played a decisive role in popularising women's bodybuilding and the fitness industry in the 1980s.
• Thomas Haden Church
  Role: Film and television actor, director, screenwriter.
  Significance: Grew up in Harlingen, where he graduated from high school and began his career as a DJ on local radio. Received international recognition and an Academy Award nomination for his role in the film "Sideways," and is also known to the general public for the role of Sandman in the Spider-Man films.