HomeTexasHarlingen

Harlingen, Texas

Located in Cameron County, Texas, Harlingen was established in 1904. Named after Harlingen in the Netherlands. Major commercial hub for the Rio Grande Valley.
Founded 1904 | Population 71,000 | Peak 71,000 (2024) | County Cameron County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Harlingen, Texas

undefined
1904Railroad Town: Named for a Dutch city.
undefined
1941Military Base: Harlingen Army Air Field.
undefined
1960Parks & Recreation: Harlingen developed parks and recreational facilities that became central to community life.
undefined
2000RGV Hub: Rio Grande Valley commercial center.
🧠
How Well Do You Know Harlingen?
5 questions • 2 minutes
Take the Quiz →

Complete Historical Timeline

1904 Transport
Railroad Town
1941 Government
Military Base
1960 Culture
Parks & Recreation
2000 Business
RGV Hub

Did You Know?

1
Named after Harlingen in the Netherlands.
2
Major commercial hub for the Rio Grande Valley.
3
Iwo Jima Memorial/Marine Military Academy is in Harlingen.
4
Harlingen is located in Cameron County, Texas.
5
Harlingen was founded in 1904.

Famous People from Harlingen, Texas

BM
Bobby Morrow
Farmer, Sprinter · Born Oct 15, 1935 · Died May 30, 2020 (age 84)
NS
Nick Stahl
Actor, Stage Actor · Born Dec 5, 1979 · Age 46
BC
Beth Nielsen Chapman
Singer, Pianist · Born Sep 14, 1958 · Age 67
FV
Filemon Vela
Lawyer, Politician · Born Feb 13, 1963 · Age 63
See something that needs correcting?
We take accuracy seriously. Help us keep Harlingen's history right.