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, it celebrated its
centennial in 2007. The original town site was 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 on the Mercedes Civic Center grounds. 530 E. Second
St.
Annual events include the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show & Rodeo, among
the top 10 livestock shows in the state, held the second week in March.
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.