Established in 1909, the town was named after Henry N. Pharr, a sugar planter from Louisiana. It is a center for winter vegetables, citrus and cotton, and it is home to Winter Texans. Visitors find modern RV resorts and tourist-related activities. Access to Mexico is available via U.S. 281 and the Pharr/Reynosa International Bridge.

St. Jude's Catholic Church's beautiful gardens offer a peaceful setting for quiet meditations. The gardens are always open. 505 S. Ironwood. Memorial Park honors area veterans lost or missing in combat during wartime; at corner of Egly and Canna streets.