Laredo history

The city of Laredo, situated on the banks of the Rio Grande river in southern Texas, boasts a rich and multi-layered history shaped by its unique border location. Its story is a tale of cultural fusion and changing flags, a legacy that is still palpable in the city today.

The history of Laredo begins in 1755, when the Spanish captain Tomás Sánchez founded the settlement of Villa de San Agustín de Laredo on the northern bank of the Rio Grande. Unlike many other Texan settlements of that era, the city was established without a military fortress (presidio) or a Catholic mission, making it one of the oldest independent settlements in the region. Initially, the economy depended entirely on ranching—breeding cattle, horses, and sheep.

Laredo's further development was largely defined by its strategic position on the Rio Grande, which served as both a natural border and a vital trade route. By the 19th century, the city had transformed into a key centre of commerce, first between regions of Mexico, and later as a major border crossing for trade between Mexico and the USA. Its history was turbulent: the city has been under the rule of seven different flags, including Spain, Mexico, and even the short-lived Republic of the Rio Grande. In 1840, Laredo briefly became the capital of this republic, which existed for just 283 days.

Since its founding, Laredo has been a place where Spanish, Mexican, and later American cultures intertwined. After the Mexican-American War, when the Treaty of 1848 established the Rio Grande as the official border, the city became part of the USA. This event divided communities: some families remained on the American side, while others moved across the river to found Nuevo Laredo. It is this border position that formed the city's unique bilingual and bicultural identity, which remains its hallmark. Over time, the economy, which originated in ranching, diversified through international trade, and in the 20th century, was supplemented by oil and gas extraction.

Key Milestones in Laredo's History

Laredo's history is a kaleidoscope of events reflecting its unique position at the border of cultures and nations. From a Spanish colonial settlement to one of the largest inland ports in the USA, the city has undergone a long and eventful journey.

• 1755 — Captain Tomás Sánchez founds the settlement of Villa de San Agustín de Laredo on the northern bank of the Rio Grande.
• 1821 — Following Mexico's independence from Spain, Laredo becomes part of the Mexican Empire.
• 1840 — The city becomes the capital of the short-lived Republic of the Rio Grande for 283 days, created by opponents of the Mexican central government.
• 1846 — During the Mexican-American War, Laredo is occupied by the Texas Rangers.
• 1848 — Under the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, the Rio Grande is recognised as the border, and Laredo officially becomes part of the USA and the state of Texas.
• 1849 — Camp Crawford, later renamed Fort McIntosh, is established to protect the border.
• 1852 — Laredo receives official city status within the state of Texas.
• 1881 — The railway arrives in the city, connecting it to Corpus Christi and, more importantly, to Mexico City, transforming Laredo into a key transport and trade hub.
• 1908 — Natural gas is discovered in the vicinity of Laredo, sparking the development of the energy industry in the region.
• 1922 — The second international bridge opens, facilitating the growth of international trade.
• 1947 — Laredo Junior College is founded, marking the beginning of higher education development in the city.
• 1969 — Texas A&M International University opens, strengthening Laredo's status as an educational centre.

Major Development Stages of Laredo

Laredo's development is inextricably linked to its strategic position on the border. Each stage of history added new features to its economic and cultural character, transforming the city from a small Spanish settlement into a bustling international centre.

• Founding and Establishment as a Ranching Centre (1755). Founded by Tomás Sánchez as a settlement without military or religious support, Laredo developed from the very beginning thanks to the enterprise of its residents. The early economy was based entirely on raising cattle and sheep, laying the foundation for future commercial activity.
• Arrival of the Railway (1881). The appearance of the railway line was a turning point that radically changed the city's economy. Laredo transformed from a regional ranching centre into a key node of international trade, connecting the markets of the USA and Mexico. This event caused rapid population growth and cemented the city's status as a vital trade gateway.
• Development of the Oil and Gas Industry (Early 20th Century). The discovery of natural gas and oil deposits in the city's vicinity diversified its economy. The energy sector brought new investments and jobs, reducing Laredo's dependence solely on international trade and strengthening its financial stability.
• Construction of International Bridges (20th Century). The construction and subsequent modernisation of bridges across the Rio Grande became the physical embodiment of Laredo's role as a connecting link between two countries. These transport arteries ensured the uninterrupted flow of goods and people, stimulating both commercial and cultural integration with Nuevo Laredo.
• Becoming an Educational Centre (from 1947). The founding of Laredo Junior College, and later Texas A&M International University in 1969, marked a new era in the city's development. The emergence of higher education institutions facilitated the training of qualified personnel for the growing economy and turned Laredo into an important educational and cultural hub of South Texas.
• The NAFTA Era (from 1994). The entry into force of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was a powerful catalyst for Laredo's economy. Volumes of cross-border trade increased manifold, which definitively secured the city's status as the largest inland port in the USA. This period led to the massive development of logistics infrastructure, warehouse complexes, and transport companies.

Laredo's architectural landscape is a visual history of the city, where Spanish colonial heritage meets the American Victorian era and 20th-century styles. Urban development reflects the key stages of its history: from its founding as a Spanish settlement to its transformation into a major trade hub on the border of two countries.

Spanish Colonial Period and Mexican Heritage (18th–Mid 19th Century)

The historical core of the city is centred around the San Agustín de Laredo Historic District. Its layout, with a central square (plaza) and adjoining streets, adheres to the "Laws of the Indies"—urban planning regulations of the Spanish Crown for colonies. This period is characterised by single-storey structures made of local sandstone and adobe with thick walls and flat roofs, which was typical of Mexican vernacular architecture of that time. A striking example is the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum building, constructed around 1830, which was originally a residential home and, according to legend, served as the Capitol of the short-lived republic in 1840.

Victorian Era and the Influence of the Railway (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)

The arrival of the railway in 1881 triggered an economic boom and attracted Anglo-American settlers to the city. This led to the emergence of a new architectural landscape, particularly in the St. Peter's Historic District. This area developed as a prestigious residential quarter with wide streets and mansions in popular American styles of the time. Here, one can see an eclectic mix of styles: from Neo-Gothic, as seen in St. Peter's Church (1898), to Colonial Revival and Prairie Style. Buildings from this era demonstrate a departure from Spanish traditions in favour of more typical American development with detached houses on landscaped plots.

20th Century: Modernisation and New Styles

In the 20th century, new trends appeared in Laredo's architecture. The Hamilton Hotel building, constructed between 1923 and 1928, became the first high-rise building in the city and a striking example of the architecture of its time, designed by the renowned San Antonio architect Atlee B. Ayres. Examples of Art Deco can also be found in the city, such as the Plaza Theater building. In the later period, with the city's growth as a major inland port, the main focus in construction shifted to functional commercial and logistics complexes; however, the historic districts continue to preserve their unique character, representing a living museum of Laredo's urban evolution.

Prominent Figures Connected to Laredo

Laredo's history is rich with the names of people who have left a significant mark on politics, economics, culture, and public life. From the city's founder to modern figures in arts and politics, these individuals have shaped the unique character of Laredo and brought it fame far beyond Texas.

• Tomás Sánchez (Tomás Sánchez de la Barrera y Garza, 1709–1796) — Captain of the Spanish army, founder of Laredo. In 1755, he founded the settlement of Villa de San Agustín de Laredo, receiving land from the colonial official José de Escandón. Unlike many settlements of that time, Laredo was founded without a military fortress or mission, highlighting its initially civilian and commercial nature. Sánchez remained a key figure in the city's governance for decades.
• Santos Benavides (Santos Benavides, 1823–1891) — Soldier, politician, and merchant, the highest-ranking officer of Mexican descent in the Confederate Army during the US Civil War. He successfully defended Laredo against Union troops in 1864, thereby securing a vital trade route for exporting cotton to Mexico. After the war, he was elected three times to the Texas Legislature, remaining an influential figure in the region.
• Jovita Idár (Jovita Idár, 1885–1946) — Journalist, activist, and suffragette, one of the most prominent figures in the fight for Mexican-American rights in the early 20th century. Born in Laredo, she worked at her family's newspaper "La Crónica", where she covered issues of racial discrimination, lynching, and poor educational conditions for Mexican children. In 1911, she became a co-founder and the first president of the "League of Mexican Women" (La Liga Femenil Mexicanista), one of the first feminist organisations in Texas.
• Oliver Winfield Killam (Oliver Winfield Killam, 1874–1959) — Entrepreneur and politician, known as the "King of Oil" of South Texas. Moving to Laredo in 1920, he drilled the first commercially successful oil well south of San Antonio in 1921, which sparked an oil boom in the region. His activities led to the founding of Mirando City and significant economic growth in Laredo and its surroundings.
• Federico Peña (Federico Peña, born 1947) — Politician born in Laredo who achieved national recognition. He became the first Hispanic mayor of Denver (1983–1991) and later served as US Secretary of Transportation (1993–1997) and US Secretary of Energy (1997–1998) in the administration of President Bill Clinton. His ancestors were among the founders of Laredo.
• Pete Astudillo (Pete Astudillo, born 1963) — Singer and songwriter, a key figure in Tejano music. Born in Laredo, he began his career as a backing vocalist and songwriter for the legendary singer Selena, co-writing hits such as "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom" and "Amor Prohibido". His solo career was also successful, and the song "Como Te Extraño", dedicated to Selena and his mother, became an iconic hit.
• Tony Dalton (Tony Dalton, born 1975) — Actor and screenwriter born in Laredo. He achieved widespread fame in both Mexico and the USA. International recognition came to him after playing the role of Lalo Salamanca in the popular series "Better Call Saul". He also starred in the Marvel series "Hawkeye".