Fronton Island, Desert island in Rio Grande, Starr County, Texas.
Fronton Island is a river island located between two channels of the Rio Grande in Starr County. The landmass rises to an elevation of 177 feet (54 meters) and spans approximately 160 acres with thick vegetation consisting mainly of bamboo and native shrubs.
The island emerged between 1852 and 1926 when the Rio Grande carved a new channel and created a natural barrier in the border river. This shift in the river's course sparked disputes between Mexico and the United States over the precise location of the boundary.
Local communities from both Texas and Tamaulipas share stories of ranchers who used the island for cattle grazing during the 1980s.
The uninhabited island receives regular patrols from the Texas Ranger Division and Texas Army National Guard. Visitors should know that access to this border area is restricted and requires special permission or official authorization.
The island serves as a refuge for rare bird species native to the Rio Grande region that shelter within the dense bamboo thickets. This unexpected plant growth in an arid landscape supports an ecosystem that draws the attention of researchers and nature observers.
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