This is the only remaining example of a steam powered irrigation pump. It used mesquite wood fired boilers to power 20 ft. diameter irrigation pumps that could take up to 250,000 gallons of water per minute from the Rio Grande and raise it to a network of gravity flow irrigation ditches to make modern agriculture possible in Hidalgo County, Texas.
The pumphouse is part of the World Birding Center, and the acreage surrounding the pumphouse is open for exploration. The grounds immediately adjacent have been intensively landscaped to attract birds and butterflies.
Open Tues - Fri 10 am - 5 pm Sunday 1 pm - 5 pm Admission Adults $3, Seniors $2, Children $1. Hours and admission fees apply only to the historic pumphouse.
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