John H. Shary Home
Palmhurst, Hidalgo County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Built 1917 by Father of the Texas citrus industry, pioneer developer of Rio Grande Valley, and the Intercoastal Canal. For 20 years chairman Sharyland School Board. Here in 1953, Mrs. Shary, her daughter, Mrs. Allen Shivers, and Governor Shivers entertained President Dwight D. Eisenhower during Falcon Dam dedication. Shivers, 1949-1957 Governor, was chief executive longer than any other; headed one of state's most progressive administrations. A major event of his regime was the restoration of the tidelands to Texas. (1964)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Built in 1917, this home belonged to John H. Shary, the developer whose irrigation schemes and marketing turned the Lower Rio Grande Valley into a citrus empire in the early 20th century. Shary championed the region's canals and schools, and his family kept the house at the center of Valley life for decades. In 1953 his daughter and son-in-law, Governor Allan Shivers, hosted President Dwight D. Eisenhower here during the dedication of nearby Falcon Dam.
Why it matters
It anchors the story of how ambitious irrigation and boosterism reshaped a semi-arid borderland into one of America's great agricultural regions.
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Related people
- · John H. Shary
- · Allan Shivers
- · Dwight D. Eisenhower
Related events
- · Falcon Dam dedication
Themes & tags
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