HARLINGEN

Population 50,067

Altitude 36

General

Named for a city in the Netherlands; incorporated n 1905. From its beginning a transportation and distribution hub for the rich lower Rio Grande Valley. In the subtropical tip of Texas, visitors are lured by balmy temperatures throughout most of the year, landscapes edged by palm trees and flaming bougainvillea, the nearness of enchanting Old Mexico, and proximity to surf-washed Gulf beaches. There's almost always a harvest in progress - peas, carrots, lettuce, spinach or cabbage; in winter, a bounty of oranges and prized Texas Ruby Red Grapefruit is returning after the disastrous 1989 freeze; in summer, tons of cotton, sugar cane and grain.

Visit the chamber of commerce at 311 East Tyler Street for details about area attractions and activities. The Harlingen Tourist Center, at 201 E. Madison Street is the social headquarters for winter visitors form mid-November to mid April.

Near the city's Industrial Air Park is the Marine Military Academy, a prep school dedicated to U.S. Marine Corps traditions, and the Rio Grande Campus of Texas State Technical College.

IWO JIMA WAR MEMORIAL

PARKS

PORT OF HARLINGEN

RIO GRANDE VALLEY HISTORICAL MUSEUM COMPLEX

TRAVEL INFORMATION CENTER

VALLEY GREYHOUND PARK

Attractions

• IWO JIMA WAR MEMORIAL - The original working model of the famous bronze statue at Arlington National Cemetery was donated by sculptor Dr. Felix W. de Weldon to the Marine Military Academy in 1981. The plaster has been treated for preservation, and the relatively constant temperature and humidity here help with its preservation.
  
  
• PARKS - Spacious city parks provide recreational facilities for both visitors and residents. Hill Park preserves old plantation headquarters of Lon C. Hill, founder of Harlingen and ;pioneer Valley developer; Pendeleton Park offers tennis courts, swimming, sports fields, playground, grills and picnic tables; 27 hole Harlingen Municipal Golf Course is off U.S. 77/83 at southwest edge of the city.
• PORT OF HARLINGEN - Barge facility on Arroyo Colorado primarily handling incoming cargoes of oil, gasoline, fertilizers, sand and gravel Fishing excellent on Arroyo Colorado from port to Gulf. Off F.M. 106 about 5 miles east.
• RIO GRANDE VALLEY HISTORICAL MUSEUM COMPLEX - Historical and cultural items, rock and shell displays and Valley map with pinpoint lighting. Complex includes Paso Real Stagecoach Inn, c. 1850, with period furnishings; original Harlingen Hospital with vintage medical equipment, dental and medical offices of the 1920s, and the Lon C. Hill Home, built by "father" of Harlingen; home has many original possessions of the family. Open Wed. to Sat. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Boxwood and Raintree Streets.
• TRAVEL INFORMATION CENTER - Open dally year round, except for New year's. Thanksgiving, Christmas and the day before. Trained, professional bilingual travel counselors offer free maps, literature abut every part of Texas, and expert help in charting rotes. Free tourism video shows, lavish tropical landscaping. At intersection of U.S. 77/U.S. 83 in town; operated by the Texas Department of Transportation.
• VALLEY GREYHOUND PARK - Greyhound racing year round in air-conditioned grandstand. Facilities include restaurant, clubhouse dining, and concessions. Daily races; Mon. Thurs. Fri. 7:30 p.m.; Wed., I-30 and 7:30 p.m.;, Sat. 1 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday 4 p.m. Take EdCarey Drive south from U.S. 83. For racing information, 210-428-0161.

Child and Day Care Providers