Quick Facts

Mercedes is home to the largest factory outlet mall in the Rio Grande Valley with over 117 outlet stores.

The community was named for Mercedes Diaz, wife of Mexican President Porfirio Diaz.

The Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show is ranked in the top 10 shows in the state of Texas, drawing 150,000 visitors.

More than 500 dolls from 40 countries are displayed in the Mercedes Memorial Library, some dating back to 1890.

The City of Mercedes is over 100 years old.

The famous Fleet S. Lentz Native Plant Display, with more than 100 native and indigenous shrubs and trees, is located in the Mercedes Civic Center.

The book "Por Unos Elotes" by author Eddie Howell, is based on his life in Mercedes, Texas.

Rolando Hinojosa, the first Chicano author to receive a major international literary award, was born in Mercedes, Texas.