Rio Grande Valley Oral Histories
Identifier
ELIBR0027-Capen, EA
Files
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Creation Date
6-12-1973
Disciplines
History
Description
Summary generated using MS Copilot (AI) Edward A. Capen recounts his first arrival in the Rio Grande Valley in 1915 as a member of the 6th U.S. Cavalry, deployed after the Texas City hurricane to patrol the border during bandit raids. He describes the Valley’s early conditions—brush-covered land, deep sand roads, and small towns like Harlingen and Donna—along with life as a horse-mounted soldier, including patrols, camp life, and logistics. Capen later participated in the Pancho Villa Expedition, served through World War I and II, and eventually settled in Donna, where he worked for Central Power and Light and served as mayor. His reflections highlight dramatic changes in infrastructure, politics, and community life over six decades.
Format
MP3
Length
00:44:24
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Capen, Edward A. and Gates, Aubrey B., "Interview with Edward A. Capen (veteran)" (1973). Rio Grande Valley Oral Histories. 563.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/rgvoralhistories/563
