Harlingen, Texas

Harlingen, Texas. Located in the southern part of the state, Harlingen is situated near the Rio Grande Valley, close to the Mexico–United States border and the cities of Brownsville, Texas, and McAllen, Texas. The city is part of the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area and is home to the Valley International Airport, which offers flights to destinations such as Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, George Bush Intercontinental Airport, and Mexico City International Airport. Harlingen is also close to the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, a protected area that is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the Texas ocelot, and the Rio Grande Valley State Park.

Geography

Harlingen is situated in the Rio Grande Valley region of Texas, near the Mexico–United States border. The city is located in Cameron County, Texas, and is part of the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area. The geography of the area is characterized by a mix of coastal plain and delta regions, with the Rio Grande river forming the border with Mexico. The city is also close to the Gulf of Mexico, and the South Padre Island, a popular tourist destination. Harlingen is situated near the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, which is part of the World Birding Center network, and the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, which is a protected area for wildlife such as the Texas tortoise, and the bobcat. The city is also home to the Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum, which features exhibits on the history of Harlingen, Texas, and the Valley Baptist Medical Center, a hospital that serves the Rio Grande Valley region.

History

The area that is now Harlingen was first settled in the early 19th century, with the city being officially founded in 1904 by Lon C. Hill, a St. Louis, Missouri businessman. The city was named after Harlingen, Netherlands, a city in the Netherlands that was an important center for the Dutch East India Company. During World War II, Harlingen played an important role in the war effort, with the city being home to the Harlingen Army Airfield, a training base for United States Army Air Forces pilots. The city is also close to the Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park, which commemorates the Battle of Palo Alto, a battle fought during the Mexican–American War. Harlingen is also home to the Marine Military Academy, a private military academy that was founded in 1965, and the Texas State Technical College, a public college that offers programs in fields such as engineering, and health sciences.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Harlingen was approximately 71,000 people, with a diverse population that includes Hispanic and Latino Americans, Non-Hispanic Whites, and African Americans. The city has a strong sense of community, with many residents being involved in local organizations such as the Harlingen Chamber of Commerce, and the United Way of the Rio Grande Valley. Harlingen is also home to a number of festivals and events, including the Harlingen Jazz Festival, and the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show and Rodeo. The city is also close to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, a public university that offers programs in fields such as business, and education, and the South Texas College, a public college that offers programs in fields such as nursing, and technology.

Economy

The economy of Harlingen is diverse, with major industries including healthcare, education, and retail. The city is home to the Valley Baptist Medical Center, a hospital that serves the Rio Grande Valley region, and the Harlingen Medical Center, a hospital that offers a range of medical services. Harlingen is also a major center for agriculture, with the surrounding area being home to a number of farms and ranches that produce crops such as cotton, and sugarcane. The city is also close to the Port of Brownsville, a major port that handles cargo such as oil, and natural gas, and the Free Trade Bridge, a border crossing that connects the United States and Mexico. Harlingen is also home to a number of major retailers, including Walmart, and Target Corporation, and the Rio Grande Valley Premium Outlets, a shopping mall that features a range of stores and restaurants.

Education

Harlingen is served by the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District, a public school district that operates a number of elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools in the area. The city is also home to a number of private schools, including the Marine Military Academy, and the Incarnate Word Academy. Harlingen is also close to a number of colleges and universities, including the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, and the South Texas College, which offer programs in fields such as engineering, and health sciences. The city is also home to the Texas State Technical College, a public college that offers programs in fields such as technology, and skilled trades, and the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, a public university that offers programs in fields such as medicine, and nursing.

Infrastructure

Harlingen has a well-developed infrastructure, with a number of major highways and roads that connect the city to other parts of the United States and Mexico. The city is served by the Valley International Airport, which offers flights to destinations such as Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, and George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Harlingen is also close to the Port of Brownsville, a major port that handles cargo such as oil, and natural gas, and the Free Trade Bridge, a border crossing that connects the United States and Mexico. The city is also home to a number of parks and recreation areas, including the Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum, and the Hugh Ramsey Nature Park, which offer a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, and birdwatching. The city is also close to the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, which is part of the World Birding Center network, and the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, which is a protected area for wildlife such as the Texas tortoise, and the bobcat.