tal are unusual medical and dental implements
and equipment – no longer used by today’s
medical profession.
could have been heard from two miles away.
The Paso Real Stagecoach Inn makes up the
third historic building in the complex. The Paso
Real was built in the 1850’s on the north bank of
the Arroyo Colorado near Rio Hondo. It served
as the way station for the stagecoach from Alice to Brownsville. Rooms were between $0.35
and $0.50 per night and you could ride across
the Arroyo for $0.10. Meals consisted of jerked
beef, beans, tortillas and milk. It was the receiving point for the Harlingen mail until 1904,
when the arrival of the railroad made the station obsolete. In 1976 for the U.S. Bicentennial,
carpentry students from Texas State Technical
College constructed a replica of the Inn, using
wood salvaged from the original structure.
The building which comprises the Historical
Museum was previously part of the Harlingen
Air Base. Originally housing the Air Police
Squadron and the Brig, it now is host to a permanent collection of flags, portraits, clothing,
facsimile documents and an extensive collection of weapons and implements from the
distant past. The beautiful Spanish colonial
building was donated to the City of Harlingen
by the H.E. Butt family in 1967 for use as a museum. Three galleries display rotating art and
cultural exhibits linking visitors to Harlingen’s
past, present and future. Local artists and art
students exhibit their work whenever possible,
to illuminate the spirit and stimulate the mind.
Each exhibit opening is celebrated with a reception.
Another treasure located in the courtyard of
the museum complex is the Santa Rosa School
Bell. In 1922, school trustees acquired the bell,
either by purchase or gift; its original origin is
unknown. On a clear day, this cast iron treasure
Plans are currently on the drawing board to include a total renovation of one of the museum
buildings located in the courtyard complex.
Once completed the museum will provide an
even greater coverage and display of artifacts
and exhibits all telling the history of Harlingen
and the surrounding area.
The Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum is a
must see for anyone visiting the Rio Grande
Valley. The current exhibit New Quilts from an
Old Favorite 2013 “Jacob’s Ladder” runs from
January 9 through March 16, 2014. Be sure and
experience these unique and beautiful quilts
and be sure and tour the permanent exhibits located in the historic buildings in the courtyard.
The Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum is located at 2425 Boxwood in Harlingen; located at
the corner of Boxwood and Raintree, off Loop
499, just past the exit to Valley International
Airport, across from Texas State Technical College.
To contact the Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum: (956) 216-4901, Fax (956)430-8502 or
email [email protected]