Region: South Texas Plains
Mercedes refers to itself as "Queen City of the Valley" or "La Reina del Valle." One of the oldest towns in the Rio Grande Valley, celebrated its centennial in 2007. The townsite was first located two miles east of the present site and named Lonsboro by Lon C. Hill, who had been active in bringing St. Louis and New York financiers to the area to look into land and irrigation possibilities. The present site in southern Hidalgo County was part of the Capisallo Ranch.
Today, Mercedes is a center for agriculture and varied industries, and it is well known for custom-made boots. The city's proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and Mexico offer abundant recreational opportunities.
The Fleet S. Lentz Native Plant Display features more than 100 native and indigenous shrubs and trees in the surrounding four counties on the Mercedes Civic Center grounds. 530 E. 2nd St.
Annual events include the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show & Rodeo, a nine-day event among the top 10 livestock shows in the state, and held the second week in Mar.
Mercedes is home to the Rio Grande Valley Premium Outlet Mall, the largest factory outlet mall in the area. 5001 E. U.S. 83. 956/565-3900. www.premiumoutlets.com/riograndevalley.