Harlingen's strategic location at the intersection of U.S. highways
77 and 83 in northwestern Cameron County fostered its development as a distribution,
shipping, and industrial center. In 1904 Lon C. Hillqv envisioned the Arroyo
Colorado as a commercial waterway. He named the town he founded on the north
bank after a city in Holland. The town's post office was established that year.
The first school opened with fifteen pupils in 1905 near the Hill home, the
first residence built in Harlingen. Harlingen was incorporated on April 15,
1910, when the population totaled 1,126. In 1920 the census listed 1,748. The
local economy at first was almost entirely agricultural. Major crops were vegetables
and cotton.
The city of Harlingen operates a busy industrial airpark where
bombers used to land. At Valley International Airport the Confederate Air Force
occupied hangar and apron space until 1991. The first hospital in Harlingen
was opened in 1923 and consisted of little more than two barracks as wings.
The Valley Baptist Hospital was built nearby a few years later, and eventually
the older hospital closed. The Valley Baptist Hospital has grown into the Valley
Baptist Medical Center. The city's outstanding network of health care specialists
and facilities parallels the growth of the still-expanding center. Also serving
regional health needs are the South Texas State Chest Hospital, the State Hospital
for Children, and the Rio Grande State Mental Health and Mental Retardation
Center.
Population: 22,675
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