McAllen history

The history of McAllen began in 1904, when John McAllen, a Scottish settler and rancher, founded a settlement on his land together with other partners. Initially, it was known as West McAllen. In 1907, a competing town called East McAllen emerged nearby; however, soon after in 1910, both settlements merged. The City of McAllen was officially incorporated on February 21, 1911.

A key role in the city's development was played by the arrival of the St. Louis, Brownsville & Mexico Railway in 1905. This event provided essential transport links and stimulated commercial activity, transforming McAllen into a significant logistical hub. The geographical proximity to the Mexican border (approximately 13 km) also became a powerful growth factor, facilitating trade between the two countries. The city quickly turned into an important point for the import and export of goods.

From the very beginning, McAllen's economy was closely tied to agriculture. Thanks to the development of irrigation systems in the Rio Grande Valley, the region became a center for growing citrus fruits, vegetables, and cotton. By 1915, the first shipment of grapefruits was sent from McAllen by rail. In the first half of the 20th century, the city's population grew significantly, driven in part by a large number of settlers of Mexican descent. This laid the foundation for the formation of the city's rich cultural heritage, combining American and Mexican traditions.

Key Dates in McAllen's History

• 1904 — The settlement of West McAllen is founded on lands donated by John McAllen for the construction of the railway.
• 1905 — The St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway arrives in the city, providing a powerful impetus for its development.
• 1911 — The settlement officially receives city status and the name McAllen.
• 1916 — About 20,000 soldiers are stationed in McAllen to guard the border during unrest in Mexico, causing an economic boom.
• 1927 — McAllen adopts a home rule charter, expanding its administrative capabilities.
• 1930s — The city becomes a center for agricultural processing and the oil industry; canning factories and production facilities open.
• 1941 — The McAllen–Hidalgo–Reynosa International Bridge is built, strengthening trade ties with Mexico.
• 1952 — Miller International Airport opens, improving the city's transport accessibility.
• 1970 — A Foreign Trade Zone is created in McAllen, contributing to its growth as an international commercial center.
• 1976 — La Plaza Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in the region, opens, cementing the city's status as a retail hub.
• 1993 — South Texas College is founded, becoming an important educational center for the entire region.
• 2013 — The new modern McAllen Convention Center opens, attracting major events and business tourists.

Main Stages of City Transformation

The development of the city of McAllen is a story of transformation from a small agricultural settlement into one of the most dynamic economic centers in the southern USA. Below are the key milestones that defined the modern appearance and status of the city:

• Railway Impulse (1905). The arrival of the St. Louis, Brownsville & Mexico Railway line became a city-forming factor. The railway connected isolated ranches with major sales markets, turning the settlement into a logistics hub and opening the region to mass migration.
• "Green Revolution" and Irrigation (Early 20th Century). The construction of an extensive canal system allowed a shift from cattle ranching to intensive farming. The mass cultivation of citrus fruits and cotton not only created a powerful economic base but also formed the unique green landscape of the "City of Palms."
• Opening of the Bridge to Mexico (1941). The launch of the McAllen–Hidalgo–Reynosa Bridge strategically secured the city's role as the region's main trade gateway. This event became the foundation for the development of international logistics and the strengthening of cross-border cultural ties.
• Creation of the Foreign Trade Zone (1970). The establishment of Foreign Trade Zone No. 12 was a turning point in industrialization. This decision attracted international corporations and turned the city into a center for production cooperation focused on export and import.
• Retail Boom (1976). The opening of La Plaza Mall marked the transition to a service economy. McAllen became the main shopping destination for residents of northern Mexico and South Texas, which stimulated the rapid development of the hotel business and service sector.
• Educational Breakthrough (1993). The founding of South Texas College helped solve the problem of training qualified personnel. Accessible higher education became a driver for the growth of the middle class and the diversification of the economy towards medicine and technology.
• Urban Modernization (2000s). The construction of the new Convention Center and the development of the surrounding district (Convention Center District) qualitatively changed the urban environment. The appearance of modern public spaces shifted the focus to event tourism and improving the comfort of city life.

The architectural appearance of McAllen, founded in the early 20th century, is a direct reflection of its turbulent history of growth. Unlike older cities, classical European styles such as Gothic or Renaissance are absent here; however, the city is rich in 20th and 21st-century architecture, intertwining Spanish heritage, American trends, and modern influences.

Early 20th Century: Spanish Colonial Revival and Art Deco

Early urban planning in McAllen was strongly influenced by Spanish and Mexican cultural heritage, which found expression in the Spanish Colonial Revival style popular at that time. It is characterized by light stucco walls, red tile roofs, arched openings, and courtyards (patios). The most iconic building of this era is the Casa De Palmas hotel, built in 1918. Since its opening, it has been the social center of the city and remains its important architectural landmark. Later, in the 1940s, buildings in the Art Deco style and its more restrained form, Streamline Moderne, appeared in the city. A vivid example is the historic Cine El Rey theater (1947), which initially served as a cinema for the Spanish-speaking community and is distinguished by the smooth lines and geometric shapes characteristic of the style.

Mid-20th Century: Modernism and Functionality

Post-war economic growth led to active construction and the spread of Modernist ideas. This period is characterized by the appearance of functional buildings with clean lines, large glazing areas, and minimalist decor. In residential development, mid-century modern homes became popular, combining comfort with integration into the surrounding landscape. Urban planning at this time focused on expanding the city, creating suburban neighborhoods, and developing transport infrastructure for the growing population.

Late 20th – Early 21st Century: Contemporary Architecture and Development

The modern stage of McAllen's development as a major center of international trade and business activity is reflected in its latest architecture. A key object of this period was the McAllen Convention Center, opened in 2007. Its design combines modern technology with materials traditional to the Rio Grande Valley, such as stone and tile, creating a monumental yet harmonious image. The expansion of La Plaza Mall and the construction of new office and public buildings demonstrate the city's continued growth and its orientation towards functional, scalable architecture that meets the needs of one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the USA.

Notable Figures Associated with McAllen

The city of McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley have been the birthplace or an important life stage for many notable figures in politics, the arts, and public life. Here are some of them:

• John McAllen (1826–1913) — A key figure in the founding of the city. A Scottish immigrant, cattle rancher, and entrepreneur, he donated land for the construction of the railway, which marked the beginning of the settlement eventually named in his honor. His vision and business acumen laid the foundation for McAllen's future growth.
• Lloyd Bentsen (1921–2006) — An influential American politician. Although born in the neighboring town of Mission, his family owned vast lands throughout the valley, and his political career was closely linked to representing the interests of this region. Bentsen served as a Congressman, Senator from Texas, and was a candidate for Vice President of the USA in 1988.
• Catherine Hardwicke (born 1955) — A famous Hollywood director and producer. She grew up in McAllen, and the atmosphere of the border city influenced her work. Hardwicke directed such well-known films as "Thirteen," "Lords of Dogtown," and the first installment of the popular "Twilight" saga.
• Raul Castillo (born 1977) — An American theater and film actor. He was born and raised in McAllen, graduating from McAllen High School. Castillo gained fame for his roles in the HBO series "Looking" and the films "We the Animals" and "Army of the Dead." His career serves as a success story for many young talents from the Rio Grande Valley.
• Cristela Alonzo (born 1979) — A stand-up comedian, actress, and screenwriter. Raised in the neighboring town of San Juan, she became the first American woman of Mexican descent to create, produce, and star in her own sitcom, "Cristela." Her work often touches on themes of life in the border region and cultural identity.
• James Carlos Blake (born 1947) — A writer known for his novels in the historical and crime fiction genres. Although born in Mexico, his childhood and youth were spent in Brownsville and McAllen. The experience of life on the border became a central theme of many of his works, which have received critical acclaim.