Sharyland ISD is a school district in the Lower Rio Grande Valley situated between the cities of Mission and McAllen. Before the 19thcentury, the area where Sharyland ISD now stands was sparsely populated with ranching families, most of Mexican descent.  However, by the late 19thcentury and early 20th century “Anglo” land developers took an interest in many of the lands along the Rio Grande.  One such developer was John H. Shary, a native of Nebraska who visited the Rio Grande Valley in 1912.  Shary saw the potential for farming and citrus production and within a short time purchased thousands of acres of land which he named Sharyland.  Sharyland attracted farmers from the North and Midwest and became known for its citrus production.  Sharyland was also John Shary’s home until his death in 1945.