Escobares TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Escobares, Texas.
1. Roma Historic District
PRESERVED BORDER HERITAGE SITE
The Roma Historic District comprises 38 contributing buildings, featuring 16 stone buildings from 1829-1870 and 19 brick buildings from 1880-1900. The district is divided into unique areas including the Plaza Area, Wharf Area, Customs House Area, and Northwestern Zone, each with architectural and historical significance. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1993, recognizing its importance as an early commercial center along the Rio Grande.
2. Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church stands as a prominent religious landmark in Roma with its distinctive tower at the northern end of the plaza. The church is positioned on axis with the plaza, creating an impressive architectural focal point for the community. Visitors can admire both its religious significance and historical importance to the area.
3. Roma-Ciudad Miguel Alemán International Bridge
HISTORIC BORDER CROSSING
The Roma-Ciudad Miguel Alemán International Bridge, built in 1928, connects the United States and Mexico across the Rio Grande. This historic crossing has been designated as a State Antiquities Landmark, highlighting its cultural and historical significance to the region. The bridge serves as both a functional border crossing and a reminder of the area's international connections.
4. Manuel Guerra Home and Store
COMMERCIAL HERITAGE SITE
The Manuel Guerra Home and Store was a dominant commercial establishment that played a central role in Roma's economic development. This property has been recognized as a State Antiquities Landmark for its historical significance to the community. The Guerra store exemplifies the important family compounds that defined Roma's commercial landscape in the 19th century.
5. Roma Bluffs World Birding Center
RIVERSIDE WILDLIFE WATCHING
Roma Bluffs World Birding Center offers spectacular views of the Rio Grande and opportunities to spot diverse bird species in their natural habitat. Located at 610 N. Portscheller St., this center is part of the Texas Tropical Trail's network of natural attractions. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts can enjoy observation areas while learning about the region's unique ecosystem.
6. Robert E. Lee House Fort Ringgold
HISTORIC MILITARY RESIDENCE
The Robert E. Lee House at Fort Ringgold preserves the residence of the famous Civil War general during his time stationed at the border fort. This historic structure offers visitors a glimpse into military life in the Texas borderlands during the mid-19th century. The house stands as an important landmark along the Texas Tropical Trail's collection of historic sites.
7. Falcon State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Falcon State Park features a massive lake perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming activities for visitors of all ages. The park offers numerous hiking and biking trails that wind through the natural landscape, providing opportunities to explore the local environment. A beautiful butterfly garden adds to the attraction, making it a complete outdoor recreation destination in the region.
8. Iglesia del Pueblo Roma
HISTORIC COMMUNITY CHURCH
Iglesia del Pueblo Roma stands as one of the significant landmarks in Roma's historic district. The church has served as an important gathering place for the community throughout its history. Its architecture reflects the cultural heritage of the region along the Rio Grande.
9. Plaza Area Historic District
OPEN-ENDED RIVER VIEW
The Plaza Area of Roma's Historic District features an open-ended plaza facing the Rio Grande with Mexico visible on the opposite bank. This historically significant area is defined by walled compounds built for prominent families including Vale-Garcia, Cox, Guerra, Saenz, and Ramirez. The lower plaza contains important commercial structures that once dominated the town's economy and social life.
10. Customs House Area
BORDER COMMERCE HERITAGE
The Customs House Area encompasses Lincoln and Water Streets with a mixture of commercial and residential structures predominantly built of stone. This historic zone is strategically positioned at the highest point on the bluff overlooking the Rio Grande. The area is distinguished by a brick family compound at the intersection of Zaragoza and Estrella streets, highlighting the architectural diversity of Roma.
11. Wharf Area
HISTORIC RIVER COMMERCE
The Wharf Area along Hidalgo Street and extending to Juarez and Estrella Streets was once the center of Roma's river commerce operations. This historic district contains warehouses and stores related to the shipping industry that flourished along the Rio Grande. The area is associated with the Arroyo de San Pedro and represents Roma's economic ties to river transportation systems.
12. Northwestern Zone
SECONDARY FERRY CROSSING
The Northwestern Zone of Roma's Historic District is associated with the Arroyo de los Negros, a natural landmark in the area. This zone was historically significant as the location of a secondary ferry crossing on the Rio Grande. The area preserves structures that supported river transportation before the construction of the international bridge.
13. International Bridge River Wharfs
HISTORIC BORDER INFRASTRUCTURE
The river wharfs near the International Bridge in Roma represent important commercial infrastructure from the town's heyday as a river port. These structures facilitated the loading and unloading of goods transported along the Rio Grande waterway. The wharfs complement the 1928 Roma-Ciudad Miguel Alemán International Bridge as part of the area's transportation heritage.
14. Salineno Birding Area
RIVERFRONT BIRD SANCTUARY
The Salineno Birding Area offers exceptional bird watching opportunities along the Rio Grande, attracting numerous rare and migratory species. This natural area provides feeding stations and viewing blinds for optimal wildlife observation in a tranquil setting. Visitors can spot species unique to the border region while enjoying the natural riverside landscape.
15. Los Ebanos Ferry
LAST HAND-PULLED FERRY
The Los Ebanos Ferry represents the last hand-pulled ferry on the Rio Grande and the only remaining hand-operated international ferry between the United States and Mexico. This historic transportation method has been in continuous operation since the late 19th century, using manpower to pull the ferry across the river via ropes. The crossing offers visitors a unique glimpse into traditional border transportation methods that predate modern bridges.
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