Where is Weslaco located?

Weslaco is located in southeastern Hidalgo County at 26°9′33″N 97°59′15″W (26.159130, –97.987374). It is bordered to the east by the city of Mercedes and to the west by the city of Donna. Interstate 2 and U.S. Route 83 pass through Weslaco, leading west 16 miles (26 km) to McAllen and east 19 miles (31 km) to Harlingen.

Who founded Weslaco?

Three brothers Ed C. Couch, Dan R. and R.C. Couch and a brother-in-law, R. L. Reeves purchased 320 acres of the West Tract Subdivision for $250,000. Two of the brothers (Dan and R.C.) changed their minds about the town but the two remaining men stayed and founded what it today known as the city of Weslaco.

What does Weslaco stand for?

(The name Weslaco is an acronym for Stewart’s land company, W.E. Stewart Land Company – Weslaco.) Ed C. Couch and R.L. Reeves – held an all-day auction that would sell residential and business lots ranging from $50 to $400 a lot. To make a claim, individuals had to choose a lot and camp on it until the day of the sale.

How did Weslaco get its name?

Two of the brothers (Dan and R.C.) changed their minds about the town but the two remaining men stayed and founded what it today known as the city of Weslaco. (The name Weslaco is an acronym for Stewart’s land company, W.E. Stewart Land Company – Weslaco.)

Is Weslaco a sandbag city?

During World War II, sandbag production reached a peak in Weslaco, and the town declared itself the "sandbagging capital of the world". Weslaco is part of the McAllen–Edinburg–Mission and Reynosa–McAllen metropolitan areas.

What is Weslaco famous for?

One of Weslaco’s historic landmarks today is the Cortez Hotel, better known as the Villa De Cortez. The Cortez Hotel, was designed by San Antonio architect Paul Silber with a popular Spanish Colonial Revival style. Complete with 65 rooms, the hotel also accommodated offices, contained a barbershop and a large banquet and dining hall.