RIO GRANDE CITY

Population 9,976

Altitude 238

General

Port of entry with international bridge between U.S. and Mexico; seat of Starr County. Area included in Jose de Escandon's Colony of 1753; when General Zachary Taylor established Fort Ringgold in 1848, it added population and permanence.

Attractions

• FORT RINGGOLD - One of Texas' best preserved old military posts; named for Maj. David Ringgold, first army officer killed in Battle of Palo Alto that opened Mexican War. Established after the Mexican War for protection against the Indians and to assure Rio Grande as national boundary; deactivated in 1944. Among distinguished landmarks are lee House, once occupied by Col. Robert E. Lee when he commanded Department of Texas before the Civil War, and old post hospital. Portions of fort are now part of Rio Grande City school system. Off U.S. 83 at east limit.
• HISTORIC INN: La Borde House - Completed in 1899 as home and border store by French merchant-riverboat trader. Converted to hotel operated by family until the 1930s. Designed by Parisian architects; combines European, Creole and Texas border styles with shady verandahs, courtyard patio. Nine rooms, parlor restored and furnished in turn-of-century decor. Operates as hotel and restaurant; 601 E. main St. (U.S. 83)
• OUR LADY OF LOURDES GROTTO - Replica of venerable shrine in Lourdes, France; contains statues of Our lady of Lourdes and ;peasant girl whose visions led to establishments of original shrine. Near Starr County Courthouse at 305 N. Britton.

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