Exploring Spanish Colonial and American History in Laredo
The open road calls the heritage traveler to discover new cultures and history within the Texas Tropical Trail Region.
This border town recently celebrated 271 years of existence! Laredo, one of the oldest border towns, has a long history of Spanish settlement and American pride. Founded in 1755 by Cpt. Don Thomas Sánchez de Barrera y Gallardo, under leadership of José de Escandon, the city of Laredo has been under the six flags of Texas. You can see Spanish colonial influences at the San Agustin Plaza which boasts a small park and cathedral.
In the next 271 years, the village grew into a port town, which saw numerous steamboats going up and down the Rio Grande, into military encampments during the Civil War and both World Wars, and, eventually, modernization changed some of the landscape of Laredo. However, the city boasts historic hotels, restaurants, churches, houses and buildings. Here’s how you can enjoy Laredo during a weekend trip.
Military history leaves behind traces
Fort McIntosh Historical District is nestled in the Laredo College campus. The district is home to 12 historical buildings that remind visitors that Laredo was once a contentious area.
In the early Spanish settlement days, the families, who were attempting to make the land their new home, were bombarded with raids from Comanche and other indigenous tribes. Over the decades, the United States began its Manifest Destiny campaign and made camp in the late 1840s to protect its U.S.-Mexico boundary. The camp was named Fort McIntosh, in honor of the late Lt. Col. James S. McIntosh. During World War II, the fort expanded with barracks and other structures to accommodate military units during World War II. Some of these buildings are still standing and house cultural centers such as the Imaginarium of South Texas Museum.
Celebrate George Washington’s Birthday in … Laredo?
Laredo citizens love to celebrate George Washington’s birthday but not for the reason one thinks.
In 1898, a group of Native Americans and white men battled for control of Laredo. The Native Americans won but wanted to respect the culture of many Laredoans who were of Mexican and American ancestry. George Washington was known to dress as a “Sachem,” an indigenous chief of a North Atlantic Tribe (particularly the Algonquian tribe), during the American Revolution to avoid “Red Coats” following him and his military men into the forest to discuss military strategies.
Washington’s revolutionary spirit was seen to have influenced Father Hidalgo’s independence cry from Spain, also known as 16 de Septiembre. Because of his influence, Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association of Laredo, Inc., was established. Every year, the celebration is
held in January and February with a variety of programs such as the Princess Pocahontas Pageant and Ball, Society of Martha Washington Colonial Pageant and Ball, and the International Bridge Ceremony. Other activities include a carnival, festival and street parade.
Although Laredo is home to Taco Palenque, a staple of Tex-Mex comfort food along the Texas-Mexico border, there are several local favorites to enjoy.
Breakfast
La Parroquia Brunch and Grill serves traditional Mexican breakfast plates such as chilaquiles divorciados (chicken, tortillas and scrambled eggs with green and red salsas) and concha rellena blanca (a sweet bread filled with sweet cream and berries). Other breakfast options include crepes. Something for the whole family!
Lunch
La India Packing Co Inc., a 100-year-old spicing factory, is also a mom-and-pop shop with a variety of lunch plates using their own spices. Plates include curry chicken salad, mole made from scratch (chocolate sauce cooked with spices) and mesquite grilled fajita plate. Stop by the store to purchase a spice or seasoning mixture to recrate your favorite Mexican dishes!
Dinner
Lolita’s Bistro offers a different spin on Mexican, American and Middle Eastern dishes. Enjoy the Middle Eastern Plate featuring hummus, tabouli, grilled veggies and pita bread or baked chicken crepes au gratin.
Stay in the Historic La Posada Hotel
La Posada Hotel is situated overlooking the Rio Grande, a river that is the defining boundary of the United States and Mexico. It sits on land that once situated the former Spanish colonial government building, which was demolished in 1916. However, that same year Laredo High School was opened. It served as a school until the 1930s. Today, the restored and expanded building serves as one of Laredo’s premier hotels featuring amenities such as a pool and meeting rooms.
Learn More About the History of Laredo
The best way to visualize the historical evolution of Laredo is to visit the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum and Villa Antigua Border Heritage Museum, both operated by the Webb County Heritage Foundation.
Republic of the Rio Grande Museum, located next to La Posada Hotel, has a permanent exhibit showcasing a mid-19th century Laredo home. The structure houses a collection of artifacts, documents and photographs. Did you know the building was also once the capitol building for the Republic of the Rio Grande, one of Texas’ short-lived empires?
A block over, the Villa Antigua Border Heritage Museum highlights how two families lived during early 20th century Laredo. The building, constructed in Italianate style, is also used for temporary exhibits, programs and events. Make sure to visit the Events Calendar to see the latest happening at the museum.
