Edinburg Was Renamed in 1911 After a Scandal

The city of Edinburg started as a town called Chapin. It was founded by John Closner and William Briggs. The name came from Dennis B. Chapin, one of the early developers.

After Dennis B. Chapin became involved in a homicide, the community voted to change the name. In 1911, they renamed it Edinburg—honoring Edinburgh, Scotland, the birthplace of a local figure named John Young.

Today Edinburg is the seat of Hidalgo County government. It is also home to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. By 2021, the city's population had grown to over 102,000 people.