MISSION

Population 29,759

Altitude 134

General

Established in 1824 by Oblate Fathers on a site three miles south of the present town; priest said to have planted orange grove that was one of the first experiments with citrus culture in lower Rio Grande Valley. Mission advertises itself as "Home of the Grapefruit," the particular grapefruit being the famed Texas Ruby Red. Commercial center for vast citrus-truck-crop area; also more than 30 industrial plants.

nowhere in Texas does the Christmas season blossom more colorfully than at annual Poinsettia Show in Mission. Only all-poinsettia show in U.S. has been held in December for more than 25 years, employing permanent theme of "Tropical Christmas.: In even-numbered years, the banks of mission are settings for profuse flora displays; in odd-numbered years, settings are in ;public buildings and private homes. Show coincides with annual meeting of American poinsettia Society, whose national headquarters are in Mission.

ANZALDUAS PARK

BENTSEN RIO GRANDE VALLEY STATE PARK

La LOMITA CHAPEL

LOS EBANOS FERRY

SHARY ESTATE

Attractions

• ANZALDUAS PARK - Hidalgo County park at Anzalduas Dam on the Rio Grande. Rest rooms, covered bird-observation pier, pavilion, boat dock, and paved roads. Picnicking in shady wooded area; grills available. About three miles south, near La Lomita Chapel.
• BENTSEN RIO GRANDE VALLEY STATE PARK - 600 acre area set aside to preserve native flora and fauna of lower Rio Grande Valley. On banks of Rio Grande, park offers canoeing, picnicking, rest rooms, and showers, group shelter, fishing, bird-washing, and nature study. Some 200 species of birds have been sighted including such rare specimens as Audubon's oriole, hooded oriole, zone tailed hawk, and redeye cowbird. Route of the Old Military Road of U.S. Army from Fort Ringgold to Brownsville was near the present park entrance; evidence of thoroughfare still visible. About 6 miles southwest via U.S. 83, F.M. 2062 and Park Road 43. Admission.
• La LOMITA CHAPEL - Hidden away n Texas mesquite, La Lomita (Little Hill) Chapel was first built in 1865, an adobe overnight way station for Oblate padres who regularly traveled on horseback between Brownsville and Roma. Tiny (12 by 25 feet) structure rebuilt of sandstone in 1889, still exhibits original brick floors, rough, heavy-beamed ceilings shaped from native trees, and outdoor (beehive) oven, and original waterwell. Chapel is still used for private services such as weddings. Surrounding seven-acre park ;provides ;picnic facilities, cooking grills, rest rooms, brick walkways, and historical site signs. Three miles south via F.M. 1016.
• LOS EBANOS FERRY - Only existing hand-operated ferry on the U.S. Mexican border. Carries three cars at a time. In 1975 the ferry was recognized with state historical marker. Crosses the Rio Grande from area of ebony trees Los ebanos. Fourteen miles west on U.S. 83; 3 miles South on F.M. 886. Operates form 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
• SHARY ESTATE - Was the home of John H. Shary, known as the Father of Texas citrus industry, first to grow fruit commercially. Across form house is Shary Memorial Chapel and park, maintained as memorial to Shary; pioneer and wife interred in chapel. No public tours, but the grounds are quite beautiful and well worth the trip. Four miles north, on Shary Road. (F.M. 494).

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