Donna Real Estate

Like many small south-Texas towns, Donna, Texas got its start on the train tracks. In the early 1900s, railway lines began connecting small communities to larger cities all throughout Texas like highways do today. The St Louis, Brownsville & Mexico rail system gave the area of Donna a spot on the map in 1904.

In the early days of growth, towns were named for individuals who helped establish or expand the population or industry of the area. Donna is no exception. In 1902, Thomas Jefferson Hooks purchased 23,000 acres in Hidalgo County and gifted a portion of that purchase to his daughter, Donna. Mr. Hooks remained a prominent business man in the area thanks to the success of his farming-based enterprise, La Blanca Agricultural Company.

Sugar cane grown in San Juan was processed in Donna and then sent along to markets all over the West. Early versions of refrigerated train cars carried fresh produce from the Rio Grande Valley to Donna, and in 1908, the train depot in Donna became one of the busiest in the state of Texas for produce shipments. Cabbage, onions, cucumbers, squash, beans were all shipped from the Rio Grande Valley to Donna the closest stop on the train line.

Technology and innovation closely followed the train routes. Telephone systems from Brownsville to Donna were a hot topic in 1905 and became a reality in 1908. Agriculture was still the primary focus, though. Cotton showed up in 1907, thanks to Mr. Hooks, the first bushel was grown in the Donna area.

Trains running from Brownsville stopped in Donna carried mail from town to town. Mrs Donna Fletcher was the first postmaster of Donna, Texas. She lived in her namesake until her death in 1954.

Living in Donna

Modern-day Donna resembles the Donna of the early days but replace train cars with Recreational Vehicles. Thanks to warm, mild winters Donna is on the migratory path of feathered birds as well as snowbirds visiting from the north. Speaking of migration, Donna is also on the flight path for dozens of butterflies seeking warmer climates.

Education plays a large role in supporting our town. There has been a strong emphasis on education in Donna from the very beginning. The first graduating class in 1913 consisted of four students. Today, the Donna Independent School District provides educational services for over 3,300 students total. Not only does the school system provide a great start for the pupils, but also provides the community with a primary source of employment.

Here's a fun bit of trivia for you: the baseball team was first called the Donna "Scrappers." Baseball was a youth sport with both young men and ladies participating. A rivalry began with a close neighbor, McAllen as the sport gained popularity in the area.

The cost of living is below the national average, making Donna an affordable solution for living in The Valley. You'll find homes in a variety of shapes and sized, not to mention land, and commercial property as well.

Please contact us to help you realize your Donna, Texas real estate goals.

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