First U.S. settlement at site on Rio Grande began during Mexican War with establishment of temporary Camp Eagle Pass. In 1849 permanent Fort Duncan was founded. After Civil...

First U.S. settlement at site on Rio Grande began during Mexican War with establishment of temporary Camp Eagle Pass. In 1849 permanent Fort Duncan was founded. After Civil War, the site became burial plot of the Confederacy when, on July 4, 1865, Gen. Joseph Orville Shelby, on his way to Mexico to offer his troops’ service to Maximilian, paused in the middle of the Rio Grande stream to bury the last Confederate flag to fly over his men.

Today an international gateway and tourist center, seat of Maverick County, and retail shipping center for 40,000-acre irrigated winter-garden region. International bridge to Piedras Negras, just across Rio Grande, connects U.S. 57 with Mexico 57 that leads to Monclova, Saltillo, San Luis Potosí and Mexico City. Portions of the route through scenic areas of Sierra Madre. Sportsmen enjoy fishing for the famous (and huge) Rio Grande catfish, and hunting for white-tailed deer and upland game birds.

Eight miles south of city is 125-acre site developed as federal reservation for Kickapoo Indians, a tribe that for years had special border-crossing permission.

Campuses for Southwest Texas Jr. College and Sul Ross State Univ. are also here.

Annual events include the International Friendship Festival, in late March or early Apr., which includes a carnival, parade, baseball and golf tournaments and more. Eagle Pass Chamber of Commerce: 888/355-3224. www.eaglepasstexas.com.