Our History: Rooted in Agriculture. Growing in Innovation.

Mission’s story begins with faith, fertile land, and bold vision. Long before the city’s incorporation, Catholic missionaries known as the Oblate Fathers traveled across South Texas on horseback, spreading their ministry throughout the Rio Grande Valley. One of their key stops was La Lomita Chapel, built in the mid-1800s on a small rise of land along the Rio Grande. The chapel became a spiritual anchor for the region and eventually lent its name and spirit to what would become the City of Mission.

In the early 1900s, pioneers like John Conway and J.W. Holt recognized the area’s untapped potential. With sunshine, soil, and irrigation from the newly established Mission Canal Company, they transformed dry brushland into rich farmland. By 1908, the City of Mission was officially incorporated, and agriculture quickly took center stage.

Grapefruit groves became Mission’s calling card, eventually earning it the nickname "Home of the Ruby Red." With the arrival of citrus magnate John H. Shary, known as the Father of the Texas Citrus Industry, Mission became a hub of agricultural innovation and economic opportunity. From cotton and sugarcane to citrus and vegetables, the land didn’t just grow crops. It grew business.

During World War II, Mission stepped into a new role with the establishment of Moore Field, a U.S. Army Air Corps pilot training base just west of the city. Though its military use was brief, Moore Field left a lasting impact by boosting the local economy and expanding infrastructure. 

As times changed, so did Mission. While agriculture remains a proud part of our identity, the city has embraced new industries and fresh opportunities. In 1999, the Mission Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) was created to help guide that next chapter. Our focus is on job creation, investment, and workforce development in growing sectors such as technology, education, and international trade.

Today, Mission is a city rooted in legacy but driven by progress. From the quiet foundations of La Lomita to the bustling energy of the CEED and beyond, we honor the grit and vision of those who came before us while building a future shaped by innovation, resilience, and bold ideas.