Weslaco loves its history, and one visit to the Weslaco Museum is all it takes to see how proud the city is of its rich history full of culture and tradition. The museum is conveniently located downtown, amid the beautiful architecture from decades ago. It’s a downtown area I wouldn’t mind walking around while peeking into the store fronts.

There are even more unique buildings on side streets if one decides to venture around the area. An intriguing building is the beautiful fire department and old city hall off of South Texas Blvd. and 5th St. (120 E. 5th St.). The fire station is located on part of a Spanish land grant known as Llano Grande. It features some great architecture and additions to the building, including the city hall, have kept that colonial Spanish architecture.

Weslaco was found in much the same way many other cities in the Valley was – It was a diamond in the rough for agriculture and landowners and investors saw the potential of the land. You can still drive around the outer areas of Weslaco – and much of the rest of the Valley – and see crops for miles.

The city was founded in 1919, and the name was derived from the W.E. Stewart Land Company who bought 30,000 acres in 1917. Lots were sold from $50 to $400 and all they had to do was choose a lot and camp out on it until the day of sale. Free lots were offered to representatives of several religious denominations that were in the area to build their churches – many of those churches have been on the same site since 1921. Many of the city’s founders can be found in the Weslaco Cemetery that was established in 1921 as well.

Before heading to the museum, another architectural building to view is the Villa de Cortez. This building is located at South Texas Blvd. and Bus. 83. It features architectural elements of the period, crystal chandeliers and elegance that takes you back in time.

A lot of this history, as well as the importance of agriculture to the area, can be found at the museum. After all, our favorite onion, the 1015 Onion, was developed in Weslaco. It is named because of its suggested planting date. The city celebrates this endeavor with its Onion Fest they hold in the Spring when it’s time for harvesting.

The Weslaco Museum has one floor that features rotating exhibits. The other floor is like taking a step back in time. There are exhibits showing the beginning of the agriculture era, tools that were used, and clothing from the early days of the city. Photos show the life that was lived, and the growth to what the city is today.

Volunteers love to give guided tours and tell you about each exhibit and the importance it plays in the history of Weslaco. You will learn about the city’s development, agriculture history, its product costume regalia, and so much more. If you have a group that would like a tour, just fill out the form online and they will get back with you.

There is also a military area, paying tribute to those in the area that have served. Weslaco is the proud home of Harlon Block, who served in the Marines. Block was killed in action during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. In 1944, he was one of the Marines who raised the second U.S. flag on Mount Suribachi on February 23, 1945. The photo is a very well-known photo, and the museum features a painting of it in their exhibit.

The museum is a nonprofit organization and relies on their volunteers that give their time and talents to collect, preserve, exhibit, and promote the history, cultural arts, and past traditions of the community. Opportunities to volunteer include tours, community outreach, field trips, clerical work, fundraisers, interviews, documentation and research, as well as artifact conservation and cataloging. You can fill out an application online if you are interested.

The museum has special events throughout the year. Their Pan de Campo, an annual fundraiser for the museum, is in its 20th year and will be held on November 15. Tickets can be purchased at the museum for $50. The event will feature live music, food, an auction, and more.

They have their Al Fresco event on November 20 that features music, art, and more. They also have a Saturday Speaker Series scheduled for November 22. All details can be found on their website and on their Facebook page.

The museum features free admission on the first Saturday of the month. Visit the museum and discover the rich history and vibrant cultural exhibits.

The museum is located at 500 South Texas Blvd. and is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Visit www.weslacomuseum.org for more information or call (956) 968-9142.