Casa de Palmas
McAllen, Hidalgo County, Texas
Marker Inscription
This site was a city park with antelope, javelina, and deer before a group a businessmen decided McAllen needed a hotel to serve as a business and social center. The Casa De Palmas, a three-story structure with a red tile roof built around a center patio and twin towers, was erected here in 1918. It served as a refuge for many area residents during the severe 1919 hurricane. The hotel was rebuilt in the original style after a 1973 fire. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1979
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Where a city park once kept antelope, javelina, and deer, McAllen's boosters built the Casa de Palmas in 1918—a three-story, red-tile-roofed hotel with twin towers around a central patio, meant to be the young town's business and social hub. It sheltered residents through the devastating 1919 hurricane and, after a 1973 fire, was rebuilt faithfully in its original Spanish style.
Why it matters
The grand hotel marks the coming-of-age of a Rio Grande Valley boomtown in the early 20th century.
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Related events
- · 1919 hurricane
Themes & tags
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