The Legacy of John H. Shary: Promotion and Land Development in Hidalgo County, South Texas 1912-1930
By S. Zulema Silva-Bewley

ISBN 0-938738-15-1
Ills. The University of Tx-Pan American Library, Special Collections.
120pp. 2001.
Paper $15.95

Overview

John H. Shary visited the Valley in 1912 and saw the potential for large-scale citrus production. After buying land in the Mission area, he launched the commercial industry. Under his leadership, Mission became the leading citrus producing city in Texas. However, before his citrus business flourished, Shary developed and sold land in Hidalgo County. He actively promoted the area and sponsored train excursions that brought in hundreds of Midwesterners looking for a good investment or better life. This book discusses the promotion of the Rio Grande Valley, and details of Shary’s life and land development.