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Rio Grande Valley


The Rio Grande Valley section of U.S. Route 83 stretches from Laredo to Brownsville, and around Roma is where the highway signs begin to read “East” and “West” instead of “North” and “South.” From Mission to Harlingen, this stretch was once promoted as the “Longest Main Street in America.”
Laredo
Plenty of history awaits those who want to explore this unique border town. Seven flags have flown over the region, including that of the Republic of the Rio Grande, a short-lived government that had aspirations to rule over Northern Mexico and Southern Texas. It lasted 283 days.

The Republic of Rio Grande Museum on 1005 Zaragoza Street tells the history of the movement. It is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sundays.










Business Highway 83 through Laredo passes by numerous shops catering to the border trade. It is here where travelers will see some of the hand-painted store signs.
Zapata, Texas & Falcon Lake

The original town of Zapata, and several other villages, are now at the bottom of Falcon Lake. The new town is a fishing Mecca and there are numerous boat landings where anglers or water sports enthusiasts can access the lake. Those who want to do so are advised to stay within the U.S. territorial limits as bandits and smugglers have been seen on the waters. When the water levels are low, an old bridge that used to be part of Highway 83 emerges at a point off the shore. The old pilings make for great bass fishing.
Roma, Texas

One of the most well preserved and oldest towns on Highway 83, Roma’s historic district is a must-see for travelers. This was the terminal point when steamboats once plied the Rio Grande, and most of the merchant shops and buildings are still standing. The downtown served as the backdrop for Viva Zapata, a 1952 film staring Marlon Brando. An observation spot a block north of the down gives tourists the best opportunity to see the river itself and to gaze into Cuidad Miguel Aleman in Mexico.


Travel Tip
At McAllen, the highway turns into an expressway for some 50 miles from here to Brownsville. However, Business 83 is still open from McAllen to Harlingen. The road was once promoted in the 1930s as America’s Longest Main Street, and it still retains that feel. All the big box shops, chain motels and the all too familiar restaurants are out on the expressway. South of Harlingen, those wanting to avoid the Interstate can stick to the access road and follow the old co-signed Highways 83 and 77 down Central Boulevard and W. Jefferson Street to the end of the road at Brownsville.
Jukebox Museum


Smitty’s Jukebox Museum in Pharr, Texas, is free and has an excellent collection of early, American jukeboxes. Since it’s located in a vending machine business, it is closed during the lunch hour. It is located near the northwest corner of Highways 83 and 281.
Good Eats. Across the street, stop by The Junction Café for good Mexican food and a great collection of historical photographs. The building was once a grocery and has been here for about as long as the highway itself.






              
Between the towns of Weslaco and Mercedes on Business 83 is the last operating drive-in movie theater on the 1,885 miles of the highway. The Wes-Mer is a family run business. The charge is a flat $10 per car and includes two movies per night. A great value!
Good Eats


One of the best hamburgers found along the road is at the only bar and grill named after the highway, the appropriately named 83 Bar and Grill in La Feria, Texas. The watering hole caters to snowbirds during the winter, but is open year round. Located between La Feria and Harlingen on the south side of the highway a few miles past the intersection of Interstate 77 and Business 83. Call (956) 797-1551 for directions.
 



Freddy Fender Museum-Conjunto Music Hall of Fame-San Benito History Museum
While other towns such as San Antonio might make a claim to being the birthplace of Conjunto music, San Benito was at the very least a hotbed for this regional style that combined polka instruments with traditional Mexican music to create this uniquely American music.

One of the most famous Mexican-American songwriters, who topped both the pop and country-western charts, Freddy Fender, is the town’s favorite son and has an exhibit of his life.

The three exhibits are located in the San Benito Community Building, 210 E. Heywood (Corner of North Reagan & East Heywood), and are open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., or by special group arrangements by calling (956) 399-9991.

Fender's final resting place can be found at the new San Benito Memorial Park Cemetery. Take Highway 345 northeast of town, and the marker is on the right.






Brownsville, Texas
The end of the road (or the beginning depending which direction travelers are taking) is Brownsville. The downtown is devoted to the cross border trade and those wishing to cross into Matamoros, Mexico to shop can walk across the bridge to Matamoros, Mexico.


The Brownsville Historical Association located at 1325 E. Washington St has an excellent exhibit of local history and is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m to 4 p.m. Not to be missed is the Brownsville Museum of Fine art at 660 E. Ringgold St.

Check out the other U.S. Route 83 Travel Pages. Click on:
North Dakota
South Dakota
Nebraska
Kansas
Oklahoma
North Texas
Central Texas
 
Content copyright . Stew Magnuson. All rights reserved.