Hidalgo Irrigation Pump Plant
The semi-arid Lower Rio Grande Valley was productive only for cattle grazing until several steam-powered irrigation systems were established in the early 20th century. In 1909, a steam pump was built here to channel Rio Grande water to about 40,000 acres of land. The Louisiana-Rio Grande Canal Company installed additional equipment in 1911-12 to increase production to the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo area. Sold to the Hidalgo County Water Improvement District in 1920, the pump plant continued in operation until 1983, when an all-electric plant opened downstream. (1991)
26.0967° N, 98.2617° W
Where to Find It
Old Hidalgo Pumphouse, SE end of the building
Nearby Markers
- 0.2 mi N Former Hidalgo Post Office Hidalgo
- 0.2 mi NE Old Hidalgo School Hidalgo
- 0.2 mi N Old Hidalgo County Courthouse Hidalgo
- 0.2 mi N Old Hidalgo County Jail Hidalgo
- 0.5 mi W Hidalgo-Reynosa Bridges Hidalgo
- 0.5 mi N Vela Building Hidalgo