Details for Handy Ranch

Historical Marker — Atlas Number 5507015872

Data

Marker Number 15872
Atlas Number 5507015872
Marker Title Handy Ranch
Index Entry Handy Ranch
Address US 281
City Donna
County Hidalgo
UTM Zone 14
UTM Easting 593324
UTM Northing 2884593
Subject Codes ranches/ranching
Marker Year 2009
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark No
Marker Location US 281 (Military Highway), 0.4 mi. west of FM 493, south side of the road, Run community
Private Property No
Marker Condition In Situ
Marker Size 18" x 28"
Marker Text Thomas J. Handy (1843-1927) first came to the Rio Grande Valley from Wisconsin as a Union solider during the Civil War. While stationed with Co. F, 4th Wisconsin cavalry, handy met Angelita Cavazos (ca. 1844-1925). The two were married on April 25, 1866 at her family’s asadores ranch, located along the military highway that paralleled the rio grande. After the war, Handy became a farmer and rancher and U.S. Customs inspector, stationed along the military highway. Thomas purchased 2214 acres of land along the Rio Grande in 1878 and Angelita later inherited family property, making the Handys significant land owners in the area. By the 1960s, most of the handy property had been sold, with a large portion sold to the city of Alamo.

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