Old Hidalgo Pumphouse and Stack
by Debra Martz
Title
Old Hidalgo Pumphouse and Stack
Artist
Debra Martz
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
Old Hidalgo Pumphouse and Stack by Debra Martz The pumphouse museum is also known as a wonderful birding place with its extensive gardens and lake...which was the main reason for my visit. But in addition to that, the county of Hidalgo has maintained this historic structure in top condition and offers guided or self-guided tours of the steam engine room and more.
From the Texas Historical Commission sign
"Hidalgo irrigation pump plant: The semi-arid lower Rio Grande Valley was productive only for cattle grazing until several steam-powered irrigation systems were established in the early 20th century. In 1909, a steam pump was built to channel Rio Grande Water to about 40,000 acres of land. The Louisiana-Rio Grande Canal Company installed additional equipment in 1911-12 to increase production to the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo area. Sold to the Hidalgo County Water Improvement District in 1920, the pump plant continued in operation until 1983 when an all-electric plant opened downstream."
Copyright Debra Martz
20181120.
Uploaded
December 21st, 2018
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Comments (32)
Stuart Litoff
I've been there! Very nice capture!
Debra Martz replied:
Cool!! I used to go often when I lived in south TX ... since it's on the Rio Grande it attracts birds.
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