It looks like an old Mexican city, but this small town is in Texas and is a national heritage site

Nestled along the Rio Grande in Texas, the small town of Roma offers a striking visual resemblance to an ancient Mexican city, a testament to its rich historical and architectural heritage.

Founded in 1765 by Spanish explorers, Roma's urban planning, central plaza, and surrounding buildings retain elements of their colonial past. The architecture showcases a blend of styles, incorporating building techniques prevalent in 19th-century northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. Official documents describe these structures as a "living catalog" of the region's construction systems, reflecting a diverse historical influence.

After Mexico gained independence in 1821, Roma transitioned from a colonial outpost to a vital commercial center. By the 1830s, its strategic location facilitated trade between inland territories and the Gulf of Mexico markets. In the late 19th century, it became a significant port for steamships and flat-bottomed vessels navigating the Rio Grande, transporting goods.

During the American Civil War, Roma played a crucial logistical role for the Confederacy, enabling cotton exports to Europe to bypass Union naval blockades. This historical significance, coupled with its remarkably preserved urban fabric, led to its historic center being designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1993, the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. Department of the Interior on a historic district.

The designation recognized Roma as a rare, intact community and the only U.S. settlement preserving the colonial colonization, urban planning, and land grant systems established by José de Escandón in the mid-18th century. Architectural elements, such as the use of river sandstone, caliche limestone, and molded bricks, along with traditional northern Mexican techniques like 'rejoneado' and 'sillar,' further highlight its unique heritage. The incorporation of elements by German immigrant architect Heinrich Portscheller in the late 19th century, including a local brick factory and rounded corners, adds another layer to Roma's distinctive architectural narrative.