Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA
Date of Award
8-2013
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
History
First Advisor
Dr. Sonia Hernandez
Second Advisor
Dr. Linda English
Third Advisor
Dr. Russell Skowronek
Abstract
This thesis demonstrates that the City of San Juan serves as a microcosm of Rio Grande Valley history and became one of the most substantial municipalities in the region as a crossroad location for commercial agriculture, tourism and economic development. Outlined is the succession of Spanish land grantees, displaced Civil War families, Anglo entrepreneurs and Mexican Revolution refugees and their migration to San Juan at various stages of municipal development. Statistical data portrays how city officials, economic development personnel and community leaders positioned the city to benefit from federal funding and city planning opportunities. The progression of how San Juan overcame Anglo-Hispanic conflict and maintained a Hispanic majority in city government is delineated. Finally, the efforts of a continuous string of strong characters are shown and how they positioned San Juan to be one of the champions in its role in the transformation of the Rio Grande Valley.
Granting Institution
University of Texas-Pan American
Comments
Copyright 2013 Roseann Bacha-Garza. All Rights Reserved.
https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/san-juan-role-transformation-rio-grande-valley/docview/1459462100/se-2