Laguna Seca, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Laguna Seca, Texas
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Location of Laguna Seca, Texas
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| Country |  United States of America |
| State |  Texas |
| County |  Hidalgo |
| Area | |
| • Total | 2.3 sq mi (5.8 km2) |
| • Land | 2.3 sq mi (5.8 km2) |
| • Water | 0.0 sq mi (0.0 km2) |
| Elevation | 105 ft (32 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 232 |
| • Density | 100.9/sq mi (40.0/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| FIPS code | 48-40320 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1378550 |
Laguna Seca is a small community in Hidalgo County, Texas, in the United States. It's called a census-designated place (CDP), which means it's a special area defined for gathering population information. In 2020, about 232 people lived there. Laguna Seca is part of a larger area that includes the cities of McAllen, Edinburg, and Mission.
Contents
Where is Laguna Seca?
Laguna Seca is located in Texas at these coordinates: 26°16′41″N 97°55′28″W / 26.27806°N 97.92444°W.
The United States Census Bureau says that this community covers a total area of about 2.2 square miles (5.8 square kilometers). All of this area is land.
A Look Back: Laguna Seca's History
The Beginning of Laguna Seca Ranch
The Laguna Seca Ranch was started in 1867 by Macedonio Vela Senior and his wife Mercedes Chapa Cantu. About ten years before that, Macedonio Vela Senior came to Texas from Mexico. He was escaping a difficult time known as the War of Reform.
In 1867, he bought a large piece of land from John and Salome Balli McAllen. This land was part of the Santa Anita Land Grant and was about 4,428 acres (18 square kilometers) in size.
Growth and Farming
Between 1880 and 1890, Macedonio Vela Senior bought even more land next to his ranch. This made his ranch grow to over 75,000 acres (300 square kilometers)! During this time, he raised cattle, horses, and mules. He even exported donkeys to Cuba.
The very first citrus trees in Hidalgo County were planted right on the Laguna Seca Ranch.
Discoveries and Milestones
Vela's grandson, Reynaldo Vela, found an artesian well. This is a special well that brings water up from underground without needing a pump. This well supplies a lake on the ranch that is about 5 acres (20,000 square meters) in size. Interestingly, this lake was historically called Dry Lake, even though it had water!
In 1975, a special historical marker was placed at the ranch to remember its importance. Today, family members still manage the ranch, though it is now divided into three connected parts.
First Orange Trees and Community Life
In 1871, Vela's daughter, Carlota, planted the first orange trees in Hidalgo County. She used seeds from a fruit given to her by a traveling priest. This area is now very important for growing citrus fruits.
The ranch grew to 80,000 acres (320 square kilometers) by 1892, when a school was built there. A post office, named Delfina after another one of Vela's daughters, opened in 1893. A Catholic church was built in 1894. The Laguna Seca Ranch is still owned by the Vela family today. There is also an old cemetery on the ranch property.
Who Lives in Laguna Seca?
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 2000 | 251 | — | |
| 2010 | 266 | 6.0% | |
| 2020 | 232 | −12.8% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census 1850–1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 |
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Laguna Seca was first counted as a census designated place in the year 2000.
Population in 2020
In 2020, the population of Laguna Seca was 232 people. Most of the people living in Laguna Seca are of Hispanic or Latino background.
Learning in Laguna Seca
Most of Laguna Seca is part of the La Villa Independent School District. A smaller part of the community is served by the Edcouch-Elsa Independent School District.
Also, the South Texas Independent School District has special magnet schools that serve the students in this area.
See also
In Spanish: Laguna Seca (Texas) para niños
