If you’re looking for things to do in Rio Grande City, Texas, you’ve come to the right place. There are several museums and historical sites to visit in this Texas city, as well as a Palm tree sanctuary. Read on for more information.

Museum of South Texas History

The Museum of South Texas History is a fascinating museum that traces the history of South Texas. Formerly known as the Hidalgo County Museum, the museum has undergone a multi-million dollar renovation. The addition included a new building alongside the original jail, which retains its trademark hangingtower. The museum’s executive director says the expansion will help it compete with other larger museums in the region.

Founded in 1967, the Museum of South Texas History covers the history of the Rio Grande Valley and is a great educational experience for kids and adults. Located in the Hidalgo County Jail, which is a Texas State Historic Landmark, the Museum of South Texas History also features a gift shop and a grand lobby.

The Museum of South Texas History also focuses on the region’s cultural roots. It works closely with local schools to educate students on the history and culture of the area. Additionally, the museum hosts monthly programs and special events, such as Dia de los Muertos. The museum is open year-round, so it is a great place to spend a day in the area.

The museum’s exhibits are split into three main areas. One explores the geological origins of the area while the other explores the history of Spanish settlement. The museum also contains a collection of historical artifacts from the Texas coast, including a 1554 galleon’s swivel gun.

Visitors should also pay a visit to the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum, which is located in a home built in 1830. It is a Texas Historical Landmark and may have served as the capital of the Rio Grande Republic. Nearby is the San Agustin Cathedral and the Border Heritage Museum, which explores the history and culture of the area.

La Borde House

The LaBorde House is a time capsule of Rio Grande City’s rich history. The hotel was once a private home to a prominent businessman. Today, the historic hotel is part of a museum and offers tours. In addition to its original Victorian-era decor, the LaBorde house boasts modern amenities and features.

The La Borde House is a historic property with a charming, southern aesthetic. This restored 1899 mansion has a tropical courtyard and shady verandas. It is also the home of a friendly ghost. Visitors can even experience a spooky tale at La Borde House.

The LaBorde House is a historical landmark and is known for its ghost stories. It was built in the 1890s according to plans by a French architect. The building has a history of drowned girls and prostitution, and the owner, Francois LaBorde, appears to have committed suicide. Inside, the house features period-correct antique furnishings, ornate corbelled brickwork, a hand-carved lion gargoyle, and a mysterious underground tunnel.

The LaBorde House is located in the heart of the historic city. The house was built in the mid-19th century by a French entrepreneur named Francois LaBorde. In the 1890s, he was married to Eva Marks, a Mexican woman. The marriage was solemnized on March 2, 1896. The couple had a daughter, Blanche, in 1897. The house’s European-style decor makes it a unique destination for visitors and locals.

Fort Ringgold

Fort Ringgold is one of the oldest military posts in Texas, and is the best preserved example. Built after the Mexican War, the fort was designed to protect the Rio Grande River from Indian raids and to serve as a national boundary. You can tour the Fort’s buildings and explore the museum, or stay in the La Borde House, a charming turn-of-the-century home.

Fort Ringgold was built along the Rio Grande on a high vantage point with stunning views of Mexico. Named after Major Samuel Ringgold, who was a casualty in the Mexican War, the fort served as a garrison and an economic engine for the Rio Grande City area. The fort was occupied in 1848, but didn’t have any permanent buildings until after the Civil War. After the war, Ringgold became a military base and hosted General John J. Pershing and Robert E. Lee.

The historic district is another great place to visit while you’re in Rio Grande City. A few buildings are still standing, including the La Borde House, which dates back to 1899. It was originally designed by a French riverboat trader in Paris, but San Antonio architects refined it and built it along Main Street. In the early 1980s, it was renovated and now serves as a hotel and restaurant.

For those who are looking for a cultural experience, there are several museums in Rio Grande City. The Rio Grande Valley is also a bird watcher’s paradise. You can also visit the Palo Alto Battlefield Natural Historic Site, where a battle during the Mexican-American War occurred.

Palm tree sanctuary

Located near Brownsville, Texas, the Sabal Palm Sanctuary is a beautiful 557-acre nature reserve and bird sanctuary. Located in Cameron County, it is a great place for birdwatching. There are more than 50 different species of birds to see, including the endangered Texas osprey.

Sabal palm trees grow from 20 feet to 48 feet high, with thick, bristly trunks. They once covered an area of 63 square miles of the Rio Grande, but early settlers cleared them for lumber. Today, only a handful of these majestic trees remain, and invasive cane has begun to sprout in the space.

Palm trees were once harvested for their edible hearts. Then, as the railroad began to build its tracks through the RGV, development took hold. During the 20th century, a land boom took place on both sides of World War I, and developers sought to create more tropical areas. This led to the introduction of palm trees, including Washingtonian Robusta palm trees, which come from Sonora, Mexico.

This sanctuary is known for its diverse wildlife and is one of the premier butterfly and birding destinations in the U.S. It is home to many regional bird species, including the Malachite and Pixie butterflies. Other birds that can be found here include the Ringed Kingfisher, Groove-billed Ani, and White-tipped Dove. You can also find a few rare species like the Altamira Oriole and Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet. During spring migration, you can spot Broad-winged Hawks and Swainson’s Hawks.

First major battle of Mexican-American War

The Mexican-American War began in the Rio Grande Valley, where the Rio Grande River formed the boundary between the United States and Texas. President Polk had three goals for his war: to capture New Mexico and California, and to force peace with Mexico on terms that were favorable to the United States. Although his initial plans did not include the conquest of Mexico, he had hoped that he could complete the war’s operations in six to twelve months.

In the battle, the American and Mexican armies both suffered heavy casualties. The American forces were outnumbered by nearly two to one. The Mexicans used a variety of weapons, including old-fashioned bronze cannons that fired a solid shot, but were short-ranged and often hit the ground before hitting the American soldiers. As a result, the American troops often managed to dodge their attackers.

Gen. Zachary Taylor’s forces arrived in Rio Grande City to prepare for a possible Mexican invasion. He also received orders from Washington to advance to the Rio Grande. The Mexicans would attempt to attack a detachment of sixty dragoons who were reconnoitering the area. In the battle, the Mexicans killed eleven men and captured Capt. Seth B. Thornton.

The Battle of Palo Alto is one of the first major battles in the Mexican-American War. Thousands of Mexican troops were halted in their march north, and the Americans defeated nearly fifteen thousand of them. Moreover, the American victory at the battle of Buena Vista also led to negotiations between the Mexican and American governments. The United States also successfully occupied the city of Matamoros, which would ultimately lead to the end of the war.

After the first day of the battle, the American forces fought back. After a few hours, the Mexicans started to retreat, but the Americans continued to fight and eventually broke through. The Mexicans’ army suffered heavy losses, most of which were due to cannon fire. Taylor lost nine men to the battle, and nearly forty more were wounded. One of the mortally wounded men was the brilliant artilleryman Major Ringgold.