Cotton plantations were concentrated mainly in south central Texas along the lower Colorado, Brazos and Trinity Rivers and generated much of the state’s agricultural production prior to the Civil War. The primary exports from Texas were cotton and cattle. As railroads expanded into Texas between the 1870’s and 1900, farming and ranching enterprises expanded rapidly as emphasis on commercial production and marketing grew. Along with cotton and cattle; wheat, rice, sorghum, hay and dairy cattle became important. In the late 1800’s early 1900’s campaigns were launched to promote the Rio Grande Valley and Winter Garden Regions of Texas. With mild winters and available irrigation water from the Rio Grande, the area became one of the state’s most prolific farm sections. In 1883 John Closner made the first attempt at growing sugar cane on a large scale in the valley. He established a plantation and mill near the present-day site of Pharr. Charles Volz and Joh H. Shary were among the first to plant orange rootstocks References: The Hand Book of Texas: Online Texas Department of Agriculture: Statistics A History of Vegetation on the Rio Grande Plain
launching the citrus industry in Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy Counties around 1910. Vegetable farming also became popular throughout the valley along with cotton and sorghum. Populations and agriculture continue to grow throughout south Texas and the Rio Grande Valley as fruits, vegetables, cotton, corn, sorghum, and sugar cane remain the staple crops as well as, hay production and large cattle ranches. It is no wonder that one of the first things that people think of when they hear of Texas is cowboys because there are more head of livestock: horses, cattle, hogs, sheep, goats and poultry than people in Texas and Texas raises more cattle that any other state in the nation. Furthermore Texas is the national leader in cotton, production and Texas agriculture contributes $115 billion annually to the state’s economy.
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I must say as to what I have seen of Texas, it is the garden spot of the world. The best land & best prospects for health I ever saw is here, and I do believe it is a fortune to any man to come here. There is a world of country to settle.
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DAVY CROCKETT, letter to his children, January 9, 1836
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