It was not until the 1700's that the first settlers came to what is now the city of McAllen. Led by Jose de Escandon a number of settlements grow up here in the lower Rio Grande Valley, although the majority of these settlements were made to the south of the Rio Grande in what is now the nation of Mexico.
Sometime around 1850 one John McAllen came and settled here in the lower Rio Grande Valley. He would become the patriarch of the McAllen clan here in south Texas, whose family would ultimately control almost everything in this little area just to the north of the Rio Grande. By the beginning of the 20th century the McAllen's land holdings amounted to more than 80,000 acres. Soon a new company is incorporated: the McAllen Townsite Company. The rest, as they say, is history. It wasn't too long before the city of McAllen, as it is known today, was born.
Due to its location so close to the border with Mexico and its historic ties to the region, McAllen has become an important center for commerce not only within the state of Texas but internationally between the United States and Mexico. With its subtropical climate, beautiful palm trees and amenable population it is no wonder that it has become such an important business center.
Because of its proximity to Mexico McAllen has a diverse multicultural background. Here the Mexican influence is almost as strong if not stronger than the American influence. The Spanish language is commonly heard here in the streets, and the Hispanic population continues to grow.
For southern Texas McAllen is a shopping Mecca. Shops, boutiques, farmer's markets line the streets. Anything and everything a person could want can be found here in McAllen. The produce is especially fine here, as the surrounding country makes for rich farmland. Vegetables of all varieties, sugar cane, onions, grapefruits and oranges are all common here. Vegetable gardens, sugar can fields, grapefruit and orange groves can even be found littered throughout the city as well as throughout the surrounding country side.
Residents of the city of McAllen, either permanent or winter residents, find much to enjoy about the public services here in McAllen, not the least of which is the McAllen Public Library. This is a fine, outstanding example of a public library and offers a wide and diverse selection of books. Considering the diverse multicultural background of the city of McAllen, you won't be surprised to hear that this diversity is reflected in the books and other materials available here at the McAllen Public Library.
The city of McAllen is known as the City of the Palms, but it is much more than just palm trees. This beautiful, subtropical city is home to a wealth of people and serves as one of the most important business and commercial centers in Texas. It is a major gateway of trade to Mexico, and is one of the most culturally diverse and fascinating cities in the Lone Star State.