The 1940s in McAllen

The 1940's was a time of difficulty for McAllen as for the rest of the world. While Word War II was taking place, women and families were anxiously waiting for their husbands and sons to come back safely from the brutal war. Some women served in the U.S. Armed Forces and others worked in factories, filling in for the men.

Things took a great turn for McAllen after the end of World War II. The population grew significantly and new buildings were being made. 

In 1947, the "Cine El Rey" theater was opened in downtown McAllen, serving as a a symbol for the significance of the Spanish language and Hispanic-American culture. To this day, it still serves as a part of McAllen's Hispanic community.