RIO HONDO

Population 1,932

Altitude 35

General

Situated on the eastern bank of the Arroya Colorado; land promoters divided lots for the town in 1910 and sponsored a contest to name the townsite. Rio Hondo was selected, which means "deep river"; incorporated in 1927. The city is part of very fertile farmland in the Rio Grande Valley with cotton and grain are principal crops. mid Valley temperatures lure many winter visitors.

One of two lift-span bridges in Texas is in Rio Hondo. Built in 1953, bridge allows barge and boat traffic to make their way to port at Harlingen. Visitors often seek sodas and other fountain drinks from an old-time soda fountain in vintage downtown drug store.

LAGUNA ALTASCOSA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

TEXAS AIR MUSEUM

Attractions

• LAGUNA ALTASCOSA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE - 46,000 acre refuge at the southern end of Central Flyway, includes 7,000 acres of marshland, and salt and freshwater. Thousands of waterfowl winter here. Resident species include many kinds of gulls, least grebe, Harris' hawk, kiskadee flycatcher, and painted bunting. Other wildlife includes coyote, bobcat, javelina, and white-tailed deer. Foot and driving routes. Visitor Center features wildlife exhibits, bird and animal lists; picnic area; access (some 7 miles east) to intersection of F.M. 106/F.M. 1847. Open daylight hours except federal holidays. Saltwater fishing on Harlingen Ship Channel at West Side Recreation Area, access from Arroya City. Admission.
• TEXAS AIR MUSEUM - More than 100 individuals with a common interest in aviation formed the museum with a goal to present aviation history with exhibits dedicated to past and present aviation in Texas, the Eastern Front during WW II (campaigns in Norway), Korea and Vietnam. Among the planes exhibited is a Russian Yak-3, a Focke-Wulf 190 F-8, "Huey" UH 1H, and a T-6, the original aerobat 1A. Open daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Museum sponsors fly-ins first Sat. of May and Sept. At Texas Dusting Service on F.M. 106, 1 mile east of city. Telephone 210-748-2112.

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