Our History

The History of San Juan, Texas

1767 - 1850

2 Spanish grants given to Narciso Cabazos and Jose Maria Balli, who were likely farmers and ranchers.

1883

John Closner arrives in RGV as a railroad worker, becomes elected county sheriff and county tax assessor.

1895

The first irrigation system is installed in the area, pumping plant created near the Rio Grande River.

1909

San Juan, Texas is organized by John Closer.

Estimated Population: 175

1917 - 1919

San Juan, Texas is incorporated, the first official school house is built, San Juan is titled as a city Feb. 18, 1919 by the city commissioners.

1920 - 1925

San Juan Motel is built, strategically placed between Texas and Mexico to establish the RGV as a commercial center. City invests $42,000 for new water works. Cotton Compress, Cotton Gin and Cannery is constructed.

Estimated Population: 1,200+

1945

Community reports 47 businesses. Such as: The largest plant in the south for the manufacture of concrete pipe for irrigation and drainage, citrus and packing houses, shippers equipment manufacturing plant, as well as an iron foundry.

1950's

Virgen de San Juan del Valle Shrine is constructed

1970's

Pilot crashes into the Virgen de San Juan del Valle Shrine.

Estimated Population: 5,000+

1980's

$1.5M are raised to complete the restoration of the 2nd Virgen de San Juan del Valle Shrine.
74 business are reported in the city.

Estimated Population: 7,083

1990

Estimated Population: 10,815

2023

New City Hall erected

2025

New Fire Station 01 is completed and South Side Police Department expansion is unveiled.
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