Roma Historic District

Roma Historic District contains 38 buildings constructed along the Rio Grande riverbanks using locally sourced sandstone, limestone, and molded brick. The structures vary in size and style, with many preserving their original facade divisions and window arrangements.

The district originated as a trading post in the 1820s and became a major cotton export hub during the American Civil War. The 1928 bridge later connected the community directly to Mexico and reshaped the border region.

The buildings reflect a blend of Spanish colonial traditions and practical responses to local building materials and climate. Visitors can see how craftspeople adapted their techniques through the masonry patterns and stone arrangements visible across the structures.

The district sits directly on the Rio Grande, and the best way to explore is on foot by walking the historical streets. It is useful to view the buildings from outside and take photographs, as most are not open to visitors inside.

Many buildings display specialized brick molding techniques with rounded corners and classical motifs developed by local craftspeople. These construction methods are unusual for the American border region and reveal the influence of Mexican and Spanish building practices.