On Friday, October 10, hundreds will gather at the old west side train depot in the City of Edinburg to once again commemorate our city's history. What is now the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce will be the site for speeches and celebration as a specific and important day in our history is recreated. "Southern Pacific Day" back on January 11, 1927 welcomed the Southern Pacific Railroad to the community. As it was with many towns visited by the railroad in those times, it marked a milestone that would put Edinburg on the map and provide hope for a growing community. A train will make a special appearance tomorrow to recreate the historic event depicted in the picture.
Many may fail to note that October 10 actually marks the day of a controversial election which thrust Edinburg into the position as the capitol of Hidalgo County. It was immediately after that 422 to 90 election that mule and ox carts were loaded with records (from the previous court house) to reach the yet uncleared and undeveloped land. Shortly after midnight on the morning of October 14, 1908 the caravan reached what is now Edinburg. As was the celebratory custom of that era in Texas and Norther Mexico (as it remains in some parts today) their arrival was marked with heavy gun fire into the air. Of specific interest to my personal family history was the involvement in the caravan by my great grandfather Jose Roman Alamia. The local paper picked up on that bit of history.
Out of respect I plan to attend tomorrow's event. I am not expecting gun fire but I am expecting a darn good time. I would invite all to come and participate in the celebration.
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