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in 1865. The Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site, operated by
the National Park Service, along with several state and national historic
markers, commemorate the locations of these historic sites today. With
this area having served primarily as ranch land for centuries, it is said as
early as 1770 a small ranch called Los Fresnos (ash tree) occupied a site
near where Los Fresnos exists today.
After the U.S.-Mexican War, the four tiny communities of Los Cuates,
Charco Hondo, Tres Norias, and Agua Negra were merged to form much
of the town of Los Fresnos as it stands today. The promise of railroad
development in the early 1900s brought trainloads of land speculators
into South Texas. In 1907 Lon C. Hill, Jr. bought 14,232 acres and
parceled them into lots. This eventually evolved into the layout of the
original town site of “modern” Los Fresnos which was finally developed
in 1915.
Settlers, mostly farmers, were lured into the area from mid-western
states, and this new influx of people led to a diversification of land use
in what had been almost exclusively ranch land. A post office was
granted in 1919, although it closed its doors a mere three years later.
With the arrival of the railroad in 1927 the post office was reopened in
1929 when the community had nearly 400 residents. From 1939 to 1944
the population remained at 475, growing to 1,113 in a post war boom.
Throughout this time Los Fresnos was primarily a farming community,
gradually increasing in population to 1,500 by the mid 1960s. The popu-
lation steadily increased over the following decades to the present day
6,000 within the actual city limits, and to over 16,000 encompassing all
the adjacent communities. With new real estate developments utilizing
Laguna Vista much of the surrounding farm land, the crop of the future for this area
At the southern tip of Texas, just 20 minutes inland from South is housing. Given this history, and Los Fresnos’ proximity to the United
Padre Island, lies the pleasantly unique town of Laguna Vista. Location States border with Mexico, it should not be a surprise to learn that Los
and climate pave the way to a more laid-back atmosphere, with accom- Fresnos is a magnificent mixture of people and cultures. Today, Los
modations to meet a variety of lifestyles for residents and visitors alike. Fresnos’ population is roughly 84% Hispanic, 14% white non-Hispanic,
Dubbed the “Gateway to the Bay,” it is gently nestled along the Laguna and 2% of a variety of other backgrounds that add their unique influence
Madre Bay, allowing gentle breezes to give the town an average yearly to the community. Los Fresnos – part cow town, part farm community,
temperature of about 72 degrees. This temperate climate is not only very Texan, always a vibrant All-American city!
appealing to valley locals, but is also a main attraction for many north- Today, Los Fresnos is the fastest growing small city in Cameron
erners, or “snowbirds,” looking to find relief from their harsher winter County (Source: 2015 U.S. Census). People and new business are
conditions. attracted to Los Fresnos not only for its friendly and neighborly com-
It is this mild weather that promotes a host of outdoor activities for munity spirit, but also for their high standard of education, easy access
all ages. The bay front location affords water enthusiasts of all kinds con- to jobs, career training opportunities, and business opportunities in
venient launch sites, with the natural breezes making it one of the top US the city, and surrounding areas. Afford able cost of living and the avail-
places for kite boarding and windsurfing during certain times of the year. ability of quality of life assets such as parks, resacas, and nature trails
However, all excitement is not limited to the bay. The town is also host are the final pieces to making Los Fresnos a wonderful place to live and
to the South Padre Island Golf Community, a gated residential commun- do business.
ity, which includes a public 18-hole championship course and driving Whether you live in Los Fresnos or are visiting the Island, mark your
range. Encouraging fitness and town beautification, Laguna Vista’s Roloff calendar for the numerous wonderful events held each year. There is a
Park provides a playground, exercise stations, covered basketball court, local saying in Los Fresnos, “when you stop at an intersection in town
pavilion and more. Additional sites include a Sports Complex, Veteran’s be sure to look both ways because a parade might be coming!” Yes,
Memorial Park and nature trails which provide greater opportunities to Los Fresnos loves a good parade, and hosting great events you will not
enjoy the outdoors, observe the native wildlife, and promote quality of want to miss, such as Elvis Festival (January), Los Fresnos PRCA Rodeo
life for the individual and family. Whether staying active in sports or in and Parade (February), Indepen dence Day Picnic and Parade (July),
the many planned community events is your forte, or if simply basking Homecoming Parade (September), Halloween Festival (October), and the
in the tropical surroundings is more your style, Laguna Vista has it all in Christmas in the Park Celebration and Parade (December).
a friendly, secure neighborhood. Come, explore the possibilities! Whatever your reason is for visiting or driving through town, “Little
By H. Therése Eaton Graceland” is a must see for everyone. Created by Simon Vega (deceased
2017), “Little Graceland” is a tribute to Elvis Presley, the “King of
Los Fresnos Rock-n- Roll” and to the friendship that these two men shared while
Located just 23 miles from South Padre Island, Los Fresnos is proud of stationed together with the U.S. Army in Germany. Personal photos and
their past history and today’s friendly and neighborly community spirit, memorabilia of Elvis fill the second floor of Mr. Vega’s actual home, a
and both of these are guaranteed to captivate you. The area which is now true labor of love for both the man and his music. For the more adven-
home to present day Los Fresnos played a significant role in both the turous, “Bobz World,” just east of Los Fresnos on Hwy. 100 as you are
US-Mexican War and the American Civil War. The plain of Palo Alto (tall headed to South Padre, can offer an adrenaline rushing, heart pounding
timber) just five miles south of town was the site of the opening battle experience like no other attraction in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Filled
of the war between the U.S. and Mexico in 1846. Years later, Palmito with the latest robotic technology, Bobz World provides its guests with a
Ranch located just southeast of town was the site of the last battle of voyage through time and space featuring alien beings, dinosaurs, marine
the Civil War, after most Confederate armies had already surrendered animals, and mummies from the ancient world.
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