Chimney Park_Site of Mission Canal Co. Pumping Plant
Mission, Hidalgo County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In 1907, John J. Conway and James W. Hoit began the Mission Canal Co. Irrigation System, which was instrumental in the early agricultural growth of the area. Here they built the first pump station out of hand made brick from Madero. The 106-ft. chimney carried smoke from wood-fired boilers which produced steam to drive the pump. The plant was later operated by John H. Shary and by Hidalgo County Water Control and Improvement Districts No. 7 and No. 14. The property was developed for recreational use after a new pumping plant was built upstream in the late 1950s. (1985)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1907 John J. Conway and James W. Hoit launched the Mission Canal Co. irrigation system that helped turn the Rio Grande Valley into farmland. Here they built the first pump station of hand-made Madero brick, its 106-foot chimney venting the wood-fired boilers whose steam drove the pumps. Later run by John H. Shary and county water districts, the site was turned to recreation after a newer plant replaced it upstream in the late 1950s.
Why it matters
Steam-powered irrigation like this literally made the modern Rio Grande Valley bloom, converting dry brushland into one of the nation's great citrus and produce regions.
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Related people
- · John J. Conway
- · James W. Hoit
- · John H. Shary
Themes & tags
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