Laredo

by The Linguist

Laredo, Texas – The Gateway City

With a population of over 261,000 as of the 2020 census, Laredo, Texas is the largest inland port in the United States and the county seat of Webb County. Known as “The Gateway City,” Laredo sits directly on the Mexican border across from its sister city Nuevo Laredo in the state of Tamaulipas, Mexico. Laredo’s unique location makes international trade a major part of the local economy.

History

Laredo was founded in 1755 when Spanish colonists set up a fort and settlement called Villa de San Agustin de Laredo on the northern bank of the Rio Grande. Laredo belonged to the Spanish Empire until Mexico gained its independence in 1821. After the Texas Revolution, Laredo became part of the Republic of Texas in 1836, then part of the United States with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848 after the Mexican-American War.

During the American Civil War, Laredo was briefly occupied by the forces of the Confederate States of America before permanently falling under Union control in 1864. The arrival of the Texas Mexican Railway in 1881 transformed Laredo into a major transportation hub for international trade between the United States and Mexico. Today, Laredo retains a strong Hispanic heritage and culture.

Learn more about Laredo’s storied past at the Laredo Public Library.

Economy

Laredo’s economy relies heavily on international trade with Mexico due to its strategic location on the border. Many major U.S. retailers have international shipping and distribution centers in Laredo that import goods from Mexico. According to the Laredo Development Foundation, Laredo ports handle over $200 billion in goods annually, with the World Trade Bridge accounting for 40% of U.S.-Mexico long-haul freight traffic.

Other major industries in Laredo include transportation, agriculture, manufacturing, warehousing, health care, retail, and tourism. Major employers in Laredo include:

  • Laredo Independent School District – 4,100 employees
  • United Independent School District – 3,600 employees
  • City of Laredo – 2,316 employees
  • H-E-B – 1,500 employees
  • Laredo Medical Center – 1,300 employees
  • Convergys – 1,200 employees
  • Doctors Hospital – 1,100 employees
  • International Bank of Commerce – 961 employees
  • AEP Texas – 857 employees

The Laredo Chamber of Commerce has more information on business and economic development in the city.

Landmarks

As a border city with a long history, Laredo has many historic landmarks that highlight its distinct culture. Popular attractions include:

  • San Agustin Cathedral – The central cathedral of Laredo’s Catholic Diocese, completed in 1872.
    207 San Bernardo Ave, Laredo, TX 78040
    Phone: (956) 727-2140
  • Republic of the Rio Grande Capitol Building Museum – Museum in the historic late 19th century capitol building of the short-lived Republic of the Rio Grande.
    1005 Zaragoza St, Laredo, TX 78040
    Phone: (956) 726-0366
  • Fort McIntosh – Historical fort built in 1849 on the Texas frontier.
    820 McIntosh St, Laredo, TX 78040
    Phone: (956) 722-0589
  • Laredo Center for the Arts – Home to art galleries, live performances, and art education.
    500 San Agustin Ave, Laredo, TX 78040
    Phone: (956) 795-2222
  • Lake Casa Blanca International State Park – Popular recreational spot centered around a 36-acre artificial lake.
    1352 Bob Bullock Loop 20, Laredo, TX 78043
    Phone: (956) 725-6118
  • Imaginarium of South Texas – Hands-on children’s museum with science, technology, and art exhibits.
    312 Santo Domingo Ave, Laredo, TX 78040
    Phone: (956) 727-0673

The Laredo Convention and Visitors Bureau has more recommendations on attractions, events, and things to do in Laredo.

Transportation

Laredo is a major transit hub for trade between the U.S. and Mexico. Transportation infrastructure includes:

  • Laredo International Airport (LRD) – Daily nonstop flights on major airlines to domestic hub cities. Located northeast of downtown Laredo.
  • Interstate 35 – Major north-south Interstate highway that runs through Laredo.
  • Union Pacific Railroad – Freight rail lines and intermodal facilities.
  • World Trade International Bridge – Major commercial border crossing over the Rio Grande connecting to Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.
  • Gateway to the Americas International Bridge – Newer bridge crossing opened in 2000.
  • Colombia-Solidarity International Bridge – Passenger and commercial crossing opened in 1991.
  • Texas Mexican Railway International Bridge – Rail bridge completed in 1956.
  • Laredo Transit – Public bus system with 12 routes throughout Laredo.
  • El Metro Transit – Public bus system connecting Laredo with Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.

The Laredo Convention and Visitors Bureau has a useful transportation guide for getting to and around Laredo.

Education

Public primary and secondary education in Laredo is managed by two independent school districts:

  • Laredo Independent School District
    1701 Houston St, Laredo, TX 78040
    Phone: (956) 273-1000
    LISD Website
  • United Independent School District
    201 Lindenwood Dr, Laredo, TX 78045
    Phone: (956) 473-6349
    UISD Website

For higher education, Laredo is home to Texas A&M International University and Laredo College.

County and Local Government

Laredo is the county seat of Webb County in south Texas. Contact information:

Webb County
1000 Houston St #301, Laredo, TX 78040
Phone: (956) 523-4000
Webb County Website

The city government website for Laredo, Texas is: www.cityoflaredo.com

Sports and Recreation

Laredo is home to the following professional and semi-pro sports teams:

Popular amateur and recreational sports in Laredo include soccer, baseball, softball, football, basketball, golf, tennis, and rugby union. The City of Laredo operates recreation centers, sports fields, swimming pools, and other facilities available to residents.

GPS Coordinates for Landmarks

  • San Agustin Cathedral – 27.501981, -99.507543
  • Lake Casa Blanca International State Park – 27.525869, -99.474002
  • Laredo Center for the Arts – 27.501577, -99.515692

Here is a map of Laredo showing the locations of these landmarks:

Additional Local Resources

Here are some other useful resources to learn more about Laredo, Texas: