Falcon International Reservoir, Border reservoir in Zapata County, United States and Tamaulipas, Mexico
Falcon International Reservoir is a water storage basin that spans the Rio Grande between Zapata County in the United States and Tamaulipas in Mexico. The structure combines earthfill and concrete construction to hold and manage water for both nations.
The dam was jointly dedicated in 1953 by Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and Adolfo Ruiz Cortines, marking a key moment in cross-border cooperation. Its construction required relocating the nearby settlement and created a major water storage facility along the shared boundary.
The water body takes its name from María Rita de la Garza Falcón, honoring the former town that was relocated when the dam was built. This connection to the past remains visible in how locals refer to the place.
The area offers access to fishing, boating, and recreation along both shores. Management by the International Boundary and Water Commission ensures safe and well-maintained conditions for visitors from both countries.
The dam structure extends across the border asymmetrically, with a longer section on the Mexican side than the United States side. This arrangement reflects the complex negotiations over water sharing and boundary management between the two nations.
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