Crystal City was established in 1905 and is a city named for its clear artesian water. The city was a major shipping point, initially specializing in onions as the major crop, but by 1930 it developed a reputation as the “Spinach Capital of the World”. In 1936, Crystal City held its first spinach festival and sponsored the cartoon character “Popeye the Sailor Man”, the mighty consumer of spinach. In November, the city hosts a 4-day Spinach Festival in which there are approximately 60,000 visitors and vendors that come together to celebrate the area’s history. The festival includes Spinach cook-off contests, music, car show, Spinach Festival Queens pageant.

During WWII, an Internment Camp was established in the city, which was converted into low-income housing and now a high school.

Even though the city is small and is comprised of 7,000 residents, the city does have a big heart and is extremely welcoming. Additionally, other than Pizza Hut, the city does not contain many food any food chain restaurants; therefore, visitors will have an opportunity to experience a delicious authentic Mexican food.