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Our History

The History of San Juan, Texas

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1767 - 1850

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

An old sepia toned photo of-who we believe to be-Maria Balli. She is sitting in a rocking chair, wearing a white dress with a dark skirt. A dark shawl covers her head, drapes down her shoulders and to her sides. The cabin she sits in front of is made of rough wood. In the background is a field with light colored laundry hanging out to dry.

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.
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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.

A pixelated photo of a two story building that is the first high-school in San Juan, Texas. The architecture is reminiscent of the Palazzo style of buildings found in larger schoolhouses of this time.

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.
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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

A saturated photo of a gothic style white brick church chapel with a high steeple that reaches toward the sky. A hedge and wrought iron fence surrounds the property that is covered in a lush green lawn.

1970's

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

Estimated Population: 5,000+

A black and white photo of a partially destroyed gothic style chapel. The roof is missing and only framing is left in poor condition. There are walls intact, although they appear to have soot and burn marks. A different portion of the building appears to be undamaged.
There is a group of firefighters using large streams of fire hose water to put out the remaining fires. There are also groups of people who appear to be assisting with the removal of furniture.

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

A black and white photo of the rebuilt Church Basilica. A large steeple, twice the height of the building, hangs over the structure complete with a cross on top. The church building has a large open stairway leading up to the entry doors. There is a large vehicle on site as part of the construction activity.

1990

Estimated Population: 15,815

2023

New City Hall erected and city employees enjoy increased productivity from their new offices.

An image of San Juan, Texas City Hall. Built in 2024 to host essential city personnel to accomplish executive tasks.

2025

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

A drone view of a new Fire Station #01. The building has a modern facade, complete with 4 garage bays, and 11 to 12 emergency response vehicles, including fire engines, a boat and more parked in front of the building.

2026

Expansion, Planning and Growth!