In Jim Wells County, the town site was part of the Ventana Ranch. When the railroad reached the area in 1889, ranch owners donated land to the railroad for a stop on the ranch. In 1908, 2,500 acres of land were cut from the ranch lands for the development of the town. A large portion of the land was sold to German settlers from other predominantly German-Texas towns. The town was named for the citrus industry in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.

Today, prime farms and ranching facilities sustain the economy. Year-round hunting opportunities abound. Nearby lakes and the Texas coast provide excellent boating and fishing facilities.