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Moments in Time: In our Valley
By Port Isabel Press
· June 5, 2026
· 4 min read
By Steve Hathcock
Special to the PRESS
Moments in Time is a collection of recovered newspaper briefs and other publications, compiled by local historian, Steve Hathcock, offering a look back at the history of the Rio Grande Valley.
Steve Hathcock is a local historian and a regular columnist for t...
Key takeaway , a Spanish coin minted in 1761, and evidently lost 100 years ago.
Why this matters in The Brownsville
The historical snippets compiled by local historian Steve Hathcock offer a glimpse into the Rio Grande Valley's rich past, with stories like the discovery of a 1761 Spanish coin near Mercedes, Texas, showcasing the region's deep cultural heritage. This find, made by D. C. Earnest while discing his grapefruit orchard, not only highlights the area's historical significance but also underscores the Valley's complex history, with influences from Spanish missions and early settlers. The coin's discovery, 167 years old at the time of the article, is a tangible connection to the region's history, which is still felt today in the Valley's architecture, cuisine, and traditions. Meanwhile, the 1935 red tide event, which brought thousands of tons of dead fish to the shores of Padre Island, serves as a reminder of the Valley's vulnerability to environmental disasters, a concern that remains relevant in the present day, particularly with the region's exposure to Gulf hurricanes and its role as a major border and immigration hub.
About this story
Original reporting by Port Isabel Press . The Brownsville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Port Isabel Press . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 5, 2026 ·
Source: Port Isabel Press ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Steve Hathcock
Special to the PRESS
Moments in Time is a collection of recovered newspaper briefs and other publications, compiled by local historian, Steve Hathcock, offering a look back at the history of the Rio Grande Valley.
Steve Hathcock is a local historian and a regular columnist for t...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 5, 2026 by Port Isabel Press and curated for The Brownsville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Port Isabel Press. To learn more about how The Brownsville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Brownsville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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