Rio Grande Valley Oral Histories
Identifier
ELIBR0027-Cain, William
Files
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Creation Date
12-6-1973
Disciplines
History
Description
Summary generated with MS Copilot (AI) The interview with William “Bill” Cain, conducted on December 6, 1973, covers his family’s move to the Rio Grande Valley in 1935, his education, military service in World War II and Korea, and his later involvement in the grain business and bridge development. Cain explains the history of privately built international bridges along the Rio Grande, focusing on the Progreso Bridge, which his company constructed in 1953 after earlier ferry and pontoon solutions failed. He details challenges such as securing 24-hour customs service, negotiating with Mexican authorities for infrastructure, and the economic impact of the bridge on the Mid-Valley region. The conversation concludes with reflections on traffic growth, future expansion plans, and the bridge’s role in fostering cross-border commerce and community ties.
Format
MP3
Length
00:48:45
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Cain, William and Gates, Aubrey B., "Interview with William "Bill" Cain" (1973). Rio Grande Valley Oral Histories. 564.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/rgvoralhistories/564
