Río Rico: el pueblo mexicano que descubrió que era estadounidense | BBC Mundo

BBC News Mundo

BBC News Mundo

9 min, 37 sec

Río Rico, a Mexican border town, has a unique past involving a territorial shift due to the actions of an irrigation company and the impact of Prohibition in the United States.

Summary

  • Río Rico was not always part of Mexico; its history is shaped by the American Rio Grande Land and Irrigation Company.
  • The company's canal construction isolated land south of the Rio Grande, creating the Horcón Tract with Río Rico at its center.
  • The Prohibition era brought prosperity to Río Rico, which ended with the repeal of Prohibition in 1933.
  • A geographical rediscovery in 1967 led to legal battles, resulting in the U.S. recognizing Río Rico as Mexican territory and granting citizenship to some residents.
  • Today, Río Rico is a quiet town with few families, mainly involved in agriculture, affected by the U.S. battle against drug trafficking and illegal immigration.

Chapter 1

Introduction to Río Rico

0:02 - 1 min, 17 sec

Río Rico is introduced as a Mexican border town with a remarkable history, previously not part of Mexico.

Río Rico is introduced as a Mexican border town with a remarkable history, previously not part of Mexico.

  • Río Rico's small population has been decreasing over the years.
  • The town faces challenges similar to other border localities, including law enforcement and cartel activities.

Chapter 2

The American Rio Grande Land and Irrigation Company's Influence

1:28 - 44 sec

The American Rio Grande Land and Irrigation Company's actions in the early 20th century are responsible for Río Rico's territorial shift.

The American Rio Grande Land and Irrigation Company's actions in the early 20th century are responsible for Río Rico's territorial shift.

  • The company built a pumping station on the U.S. side of the Rio Grande to supply water to local farmers.
  • A new canal opened in 1906, isolating 169 hectares south of the river and creating the Horcón Tract, with Río Rico at its center.

Chapter 3

Adaptation and Prosperity During Prohibition

2:30 - 1 min, 49 sec

Residents of Río Rico adapted to being part of Mexico and experienced prosperity during the U.S. Prohibition era.

Residents of Río Rico adapted to being part of Mexico and experienced prosperity during the U.S. Prohibition era.

  • The company faced fines and damages for actions that led to the creation of the Horcón Tract.
  • Río Rico thrived during Prohibition, with many residents embracing their new Mexican identity.

Chapter 4

Rediscovery and Legal Battle for Citizenship

5:09 - 1 min, 27 sec

The rediscovery of Río Rico's history in 1967 led to a legal battle and the eventual recognition of some residents as U.S. citizens.

The rediscovery of Río Rico's history in 1967 led to a legal battle and the eventual recognition of some residents as U.S. citizens.

  • James Hill, a geography professor, rediscovered Río Rico's past, attracting the attention of lawyer Laurier McDonald.
  • McDonald successfully argued that his client, born in Río Rico, was a U.S. citizen, prompting citizenship claims from others.

Chapter 5

Final Settlement and Current State of Río Rico

7:04 - 1 min, 49 sec

The U.S. ceded the Horcón Tract to Mexico, and Río Rico, now a tranquil agricultural community, faces challenges from border vigilance.

The U.S. ceded the Horcón Tract to Mexico, and Río Rico, now a tranquil agricultural community, faces challenges from border vigilance.

  • The U.S. officially ceded the Horcón Tract to Mexico and recognized citizenship claims from around 250 individuals.
  • Many migrated to the U.S., leaving Río Rico nearly empty, which is now a quiet town with a few farming families.

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