History of Laredo, Texas, USA

August 25, 1755 - Laredo is settled as Villa de San Agustin de Laredo

1854 - Laredo
Laredo, capital of Webb county, Texas, on the left bank of the Rio del Norte, at the crossing of the San Antonia and Saltillo road, about 500 miles S. W. from Austin City. It was once a flourishing town, with over 1000 inhabitants, but it is now in a declining state, in consequence of the repeated inroads of the Indians.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1895 - Laredo
Laredo, là-rà'do, a post-village, capital of Webb co., Tex., on the Rio Grande, opposite Nuevo Laredo in Mexico, and at the junction of three railroads, 154 miles by rail S. by W. of San Antonio, and 108 miles by rail W. by S. of San Diego. It has a church, several newspaper offices, an Ursuline academy or convent, a foundry, a planing-mill, and manufactures of lumber and cigars. Coal, iron, lead, zinc, and copper are found here. Wool and cattle are the chief articles of export. Pop. in 1890, 11,319.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1905 - TWENTY-ONE KILLED BY TORNADO IN TEXAS. STORM FROM MEXICO WRECKS BIG BUILDINGS AT LAREDO. ROOF RIPPED OFF HOSPITAL.
TEACHERS AT SEMINARY HAVE NARROW ESCAPE - STUDENTS RESCUE ONE - GOVERNOR APPEALS FOR AID.

Laredo, Texas, via Bermuda, Texas, April 29. - Twenty-one persons were killed and scores injured in Laredo and in New Laredo by a tornado which tore through the city late last night, crossing the Rio Grande. Rumors of others killed in places outside Laredo lack confirmation. The property damage is large.

Four members of a GUERRERO family employed on the ranch of GEORGE WOODMAN, were crushed to death by the falling of the heavy walls of an adobe house which they occupied. The others were killed in a similar manner.

At Laredo Seminary not one of the group of buildings escaped damage. The barracks, the primary buildings, Emery Hall, and the chapel were damaged from 50 to 75 per cent. The teachers narrowly escaped death, as the walls of some of the buildings which they occupied were demolished. MRS. EASLEY was rescued by several young students, who lowered her by a rope from a second story.... Read MORE...

1916
Laredo, la-ra'do, a city, capital of Webb co., Tex., on the Rio Grande, opposite Nuevo Laredo in Mexico, 164 miles SW. of San Antonio, on the International and Great Northern, the Mexican National and the Rio Grande and Eagle Pass Rs. It has the Ursuline Academy or convent, the Laredo Seminary, concentrating and sampling works, ear- and machine-shops, Iron-works, brick-yards, etc Coal and iron are extensively worked. Wool and cattle are largely exported. Pop. in 1890, 11,319 ; in 1900, 13,429.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

1954 - June 29 - Hurricane Alice dumped as much as 27 inches of rain on the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas.
The Rio Grande River at Laredo reached a level 12.6 feet above its previous highest mark, and the roadway of the U.S. 90 bridge was thirty feet below the high water.
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June 29, 1954

1956 - January 6 - KGNS TV channel 8 in Laredo, TX (NBC/ABC) begins broadcasting

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2023 - Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Laredo:
Lake Casa Blanca International State Park: If you love the outdoors, this state park is a must-visit. You can go fishing, hiking, bird-watching, or even enjoy a picnic by the lake. It's a great place to relax and soak in the natural beauty of the area.

Laredo Center for the Arts: This center showcases the local artistic talent and hosts various art exhibitions. It's a great place to appreciate the artistic side of Laredo.

Republic of the Rio Grande Museum: Explore the history of Laredo and the region at this museum. You can learn about the Republic of the Rio Grande, a short-lived independent nation, and its influence on the area.

Cathedral of San Agustin: This historic cathedral, dating back to the 18th century, is a beautiful example of Spanish colonial architecture. It's a serene place to visit and learn about the city's religious history.

The Imaginarium of South Texas: A fantastic place for families and children. This science museum features interactive exhibits,... Read MORE...