COUNTY ORGANIZED: 1852

COUNTY NAMED FOR: Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, leader of the independence movement in Mexico.

COUNTY SEATS: Two - Edinburg (name changed to Hildago) and Chapin (name changed to Edinburg). Hildago was known variously as La Habitación, as Rancho San Luis, and as San Luisito. In 1852 John Young, a native Scotsman, settled in the area and renamed the town Edinburgh. It became the county seat. A post office was established there in 1876, and in 1885 the office name was changed to Hidalgo. In 1908 the county seat was moved to Chapin, which was then renamed Edinburg.

COUNTY SEAT NAMED FOR: Edinburg, Scotland

STANDING: Two - 1886 Neoclassical brick courthouse in Hidalgo, and the 1954 Modern style courthouse built of stone and marble in Edinburg. The 1886 building was originally a two story structure, but its cupola roof and second floor were destroyed by a fire in the early 20th century.

LINKS: Hidalgo County