Get to know Laredo, TX

The city of Laredo is lies on the north bank of the Rio Grande.  Laredo began as a Spanish colony in the 18th century.  It served briefly as the independent capital of the Republic of the Rio Grande in 1840, a government in opposition to Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, before being retaken by Mexico by force.  The Texas Rangers occupied the town during the Mexican-American War in 1846 before it was ceded to the United States under the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo.  The town held a referendum and petitioned the American government to return the area to Mexico.  When the petition was rejected, many people moved across the river into Mexico and created Nuevo Laredo.  It is one of the oldest crossing points on the Mexican-American border as well as America’s largest inland port of entry.  The 1954 Rio Grande flood devastated the city when 61.35 feet of water covered Laredo.  The city is known for its annual Washington’s Birthday Celebration held throughout the entire month of February.  It is the largest annual celebration in the United States and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.  The popular Jalapeno Festival is held in conjunction with the Washington’s Birthday Celebration.  The city’s economy is based largely on international trade with neighboring Mexico and houses many transportation  facilities.  Some of the largest employers in Laredo include the United and Laredo Independent School Districts and the Laredo Sector Border Patrol.

Quick Facts

Population: 253,747

Median Household Income: $39,501

Median Property Value: $113,400