General-

Named for a city in The Netherlands; incorporated in 1905.   From its beginning, city has been a transportation and distribution hub for the rich lower Rio Grande Valley.  In the subtropical tip of Texas, visitors are lured by balmy temperatures throughout most of the year, landscapes edged by palm trees and flaming bougainvillea, the nearness of enchanting Old Mexico, and proximity to surf-washed Gulf beaches.  There's almost always a harvest in progress: peas, carrots, lettuce, spinach or cabbage, and in winter, a bounty of oranges and prized Texas Ruby Red Grapefruit is returning after the disastrous 1989 freeze.  In summer, tons of cotton, sugar cane, and grain are harvested.

Visit the chamber of commerce at 311 E, Tyler St. for details about area attractions and activities.  The Harlingen Visitor Center, 201 E. Madison St., is the social headquarters for winter visitors from mid-Nov. to mid-Apr. 

Near the city's Industrial Air Park is the Marine Military Academy, a prep school dedicated to U.S. Marine Corps traditions, and the Rio Grande campus of Texas State Technical College.

Iwo Jima War Memorial-

The original working model of the famous bronze statue at Arlington National Cemetery was donated by sculptor Dr. Felix W. de Weldon to the Marine Military Academy.  It depicts the raising of the U.S. flag during World War II.  A visitor center includes a museum focusing on the battle.  There are also scrapbooks with pictures of Iwo Jima veterans who have visited the museum.  Military and Texas items are available in the gift shop.  Open Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sun. 1 -4   p.m.  Next to Harlingen International Airport at 320 Iwo Jima Blvd. for information, call (210) 412-2207.

Rio Grande Valley Historical Museum Complex-

Compound includes Paso Real Stagecoach Inn, c. 1850, with period furnishings; original Harlingen Hospital with vintage medical equipment, dental and medical offices of the 1920s, and the Lon C. Hill Home, built by "father" of Harlingen.  The Hill home has many original possessions of the family.  Open Wed. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Boxwood and Raintree St.

Parks-

Spacious city parks provide recreational facilities for both visitors and residents.  Hill Park preserves old plantation headquarters of Lon. C. Hill, founder of Harlingen and pioneer Valley developer.  Pendleton Park offers tennis courts, swimming, sports fields, playground, grills and picnic tables; 27-hole Harlingen Municipal Golf Course is off U.S. 77/83 at southwest edge of the city.

Texas Travel Information Center-

Trained, professional bilingual travel counselors offer free maps, literature about every part of Texas, and expert help in charting routes.  Free tourism video shows, lavish tropical landscaping.  Open daily 8 a.m. - 5 p.m year round, except for Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.  The center is operated by the Texas Department of Transportation at the intersection of U.S. 77/ U.S. 83 in town.