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Original early 20th-century mounted photograph showing the “Principal Street” of Mercedes, Texas, circa 1911.
The photograph depicts a broad unpaved roadway lined with palms and landscaped grounds, with early automobiles or horse-drawn traffic and buildings visible farther down the street. Mercedes was still a very young Rio Grande Valley community during this period, having incorporated in 1909.
The reverse bears an original period handwritten inscription reading:
“Principle street
Mercedes, Texas”
The spelling “Principle” is exactly as written on the original mount.
This photograph appears to belong to a small group of similarly mounted Mercedes photographs, one of which is specifically dated 1911. Based on the matching mount, handwriting, subject matter and photographic appearance, this image is believed to date from approximately the same period.
Original photograph mounted on embossed gray presentation board. This is not a modern reproduction.
Condition shows normal age-related toning, scattered spotting/foxing, surface wear and edge/corner wear to the mount. The photographic image remains clear and presents well for its age. No cleaning or restoration has been attempted.
A scarce early photographic view of Mercedes during the formative development of the Lower Rio Grande Valley.
Please review all photographs carefully as they form part of the description.
Item specifics
Antique: Yes
Type: Photograph
Year of Production: c.1911
Original/Licensed Reprint: Original
Image Color: Black & White / Sepia
Subject: Mercedes Texas, Street Scene, Cities & Towns, Palm Trees, Texas History
Time Period Manufactured: 1900–1919
Country of Origin: United States
Region: Hidalgo County, Texas
