Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas – In February of 2019, the CHAPS Program at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley debuted its “War & Peace on the Rio Grande 1861-1867” traveling exhibit.
The exhibit covers various aspects of Civil War era history along the US-Mexico Borderlands between the Gulf coast at Boca Chica/Brownsville and Laredo, Texas.
The full exhibit has been on display at over 20 venues throughout south Texas and has been seen by over 80,000 visitors. Of particular interest in this exhibit are the aspects of African American history including military service by US Colored Troops stationed at various locations throughout the borderland region. Also, underground railroad-like activity particularly through mixed-race, pioneer families that settled in riverside ranches in Hidalgo County, Texas is highlighted in this exhibit vignette.
Due to an overwhelming interest in the African American history during the US Civil War era along the US-Mexico borderland region, the CHAPS Program decided to reproduce this portion of the exhibit titled “African Americans Along the US-Mexico Border” so that this vignette can travel to venues that focus on African American history.
The exhibit was designed, developed, and produced by the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s CHAPS (Community Historical Archaeology Project with Schools) Program in Edinburg, Texas. Visitors can engage with South Texas history and learn just how interesting, intriguing, and historically significant this subject is.
There are also two award-winning films that accompany the exhibit. “A Letter from Roma: African American Soldiers along the Rio Grande 1864-1867,” is a 9-minute short film that highlights US Colored Troops who were stationed in Starr County and their experience protecting the border while rebuilding military forts along the Rio Grande after the US Civil War was over.
“Just a Ferry Ride to Freedom,” is a 53-minute documentary film that features stories of those who assisted freedom-seekers over the border into Mexico. Lesson plans & curriculum, a bilingual website, audio podcasts, and tourism trail map are also available with related materials. The goal is to reveal this valuable aspect of US Civil War history that has been historically overlooked. There is a tremendous amount of history just waiting to be uncovered with this exhibit.
The McAllen Heritage Center invite you to visit to experience this traveling exhibit through mid November 2026. The museum is located in downtown McAllen at 301 S. Main (corner of Main St. and Chicago Ave.). There is no admission fee, although door donations are welcome. Current hours of operation are W – F 1pm to 5pm and Sat. from 12pm to 4pm. Call us for more information (956) 687-1904 or check us out on social media.
