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Laredo, Texas

Rich in south-of-the-border flavor, Laredo is the major international crossing along the U.S.- Mexican border. Established by Spanish land grant in 1755, Laredo became the county seat when Webb County organized in 1848. The city has served under seven flags. Today this bustling border city, known as the Gateway to Mexico, has a diversifed economy stemming from such sources as retail and wholesale consumer products, importing and exporting (Laredo is the nation's largest inland port), petroleum and natural gas, feeds and fertilizers, brick and tile, and visitors from both sides of Rio Grande. Laredo Community College and Texas A&M International University call Laredo home. The recent "maquiladora" industry, a binational manufacturing system where U.S. products are assembled in plants on the Mexican side, is prominent in Laredo and Nuevo Laredo. Since 1898 the Washington's Birthday Celebration has honored George Washington as the first Western Hemisphere leader to free a New World country from the dominion of European rule. The sixteen-day February fiesta is celebrated on both sides of the border and includes parades, fireworks, dances, and an impressive Abrazo coronation ceremony on the International Bridge II. Festivities strengthen friendly ties between Texas and Mexico.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

San Agustín Cathedral

Originally built in 1767; present structure, third on site, dates from 1872. Was elevated to the rank of Cathedral on Aug. 9, 2001. Part of the Webb County Heritage Trolley Tour. On San Agust'n Plaza in heart of old Spanish section.

Laredo, TX Historic Churches

Fort McIntosh

Established by Army in 1848 immediately following Mexican War, fort was in continuous use until May, 1946

Laredo, TX Forts

Washington's Birthday Celebration Museum

Displays of sparkling gowns, photos and other memorabilia tell the story of Laredo's Washington's Birthday Celebration, now more than a century old. At 1000

Laredo, TX Museums

Texas Travel Information Center

In South Texas at mile marker 18 on Interstate Highway 35, one of the 12

Laredo, TX Information Centers

Nuevo Laredo, Mexico

Founded 1848, "New Laredo"

Laredo, TX Day Trips

Things to do near Laredo, TX

San Angel Folk Art

Offers one of the largest of American and Mexican folk art collections in the state, including works from artists like the Ag...

Don Pedrito Shrine

Falfurrians tell the tale of Don Pedrito, a Mexican faith healer born in Jalisco, Mexico. Legend said he was cured through fa...

Carrizo Springs Municipal Golf Course

Course Access: PublicHoles: 9Reserve Advance Tee Times: Yes...

Fort Sam Houston Golf Course -La Loma

Course Access: MilitaryHoles: 18Reserve Advance Tee Times: 7 days...

Tejano R.O.O.T.S. Hall of Fame

Museum captures the lifestyles of Tejano music and salutes pioneers of the genre. Exhibits include biographies, artifacts, mu...