Riviera, Texas

Riviera
Country United States
State Texas
County Kleberg County
Population
 • Total 1,954
Time zone CST
 • Summer (DST) CDT (UTC)
ZIP code 78379
Area code(s) 361

Riviera is a census-designated place and unincorporated community in Kleberg County, Texas, United States. Riviera is located about 11 miles (18 km) south of Kingsville on U.S. Highway 77 (Future Interstate 69E) and about 22 miles (35 km) northeast of Falfurrias on Texas State Highway 285.

History

Riviera was founded in 1906 by Theodore Fredrick Koch, a land promoter. He purchased land from the King Ranch to sell to landseekers. He built a townsite along the St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway and named it Riviera after the French Riviera. Koch ran a train from Chicago to Riviera twice a month to bring more people to the area. Riviera witnessed growth in its first few years, but a drought hit the area in 1915 and then a terrible hurricane hit the area in 1916. When U.S. Highway 77 was constructed, it helped the economy get back on its feet. Now its economy depends on farming. It is also the last stop for about 60 miles (97 km) to Raymondville, going south, so its gas stations and restaurants are used by many travelers heading south.

Education

Riviera is served by Riviera Independent School District

See also

Coordinates: 27°17′55″N 97°48′54″W / 27.29861°N 97.81500°W / 27.29861; -97.81500


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