Region: South Texas Plains
Earliest civilized settlement in present Zapata County was Hacienda Dolores,
founded by Jose Vasquez Borrego in 1750. The ruins are designated a state
historic site.) The town was named in honor of Antonio Zapata, a Mexican army
officer and fierce fighter. When the Falcon Reservoir flooded the historic old
town on the banks of Rio Grande, a new Zapata was built on U.S. 83. Zapata is
home to Falcon Lake, which covers 87,000 aces. It is the site of ranching, oil
and natural gas production. Hunting and fishing are abundant.
Zapata joins Texas under six flags, but also boasts a seventh flag—the
Republic of the Rio Grande—that flew over the area from March–April 1840.
Zapata has excellent birdwatching opportunities. The white-collared seedeater
has made its home near the city park for years. In addition, the scaled quail,
red-billed pigeon, Cassin's and black-throated sparrows, black-tailed
gnatcatcher and varied bunting can be seen here. Many other species of birds
associated with the Lower Rio Grande Valley have been spotted here as well.
Inquire locally about the nature conservatory, which rescues and rehabilitates
birds and animals.