Page "Hidalgo County, Texas" Paragraph 8

By 1836 area farmers had a thriving economic base that allowed them to export their cattle and cattle by-products into Mexico.

Goods were moved by wagon and mule trains, whose owners were so organized that they kept boats off the Rio Grande until after 1840.

With the outbreak of the Texas Revolution the area became disputed territory, Mexico considered it part of Tamaulipas, and Texas claimed it as part of its southern border.

During the Mexican-American War, Zachary Taylor laid out the Old Military Road to supply his men in northern Mexico.

After the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo of 1848 the area became part of San Patricio County.

In the same year the region was further subdivided and became part of Cameron County.

In 1849 the area became a popular stopping point for goldseekers from the United States on their way to California.

The military road had become part of the Gila Route to the West Coast.

By 1850 about thirty-nine ranches were in operation in what later became Hidalgo County.

Mexico was the main market for goods from the area.

Residents grew a variety of fruits and vegetables, including squash, citrus fruit, and corn.