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Laredo, Texas

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City of Laredo
Coat of arms of City of Laredo
Coat of arms
Nickname: 
The Gateway City" & "The City Under Seven Flags
File:LRD.JPG
Settled1755
Government
 • TypeMayor / City Manager
 • MayorRaul G. Salinas
 • Interim City ManagerCynthia Collazo
Elevation
140 m (450 ft)
Population
 (2005)
 • City
208,754
 • Metro
802,467
 • Metro density1,908.86/km2 (4,943.9/sq mi)
 metro area includes Laredo, Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Rio Bravo, Texas, El Cenizo, Texas, Laredo Ranchettes, Texas. Larga Vista, Texas, Ranchos Penitas West, Texas, & La Presa, Texas
Time zoneUTC-6 (CST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CST)
Zip Code
Laredo: 78040 78041 78042 78043 78044 78045 78046 78049
Nuevo Laredo: 88000
Area code(s)Laredo: +1-956
Nuevo Laredo: +52-876
WebsiteCity of Laredo
Airports: Laredo: Laredo International Airport KLRD LRD Nuevo Laredo: Quetzalcoatl International Airport MMNL NLD

Laredo is the county seat of Webb County, Texas, United States, on the north bank of the Rio Grande (Río Bravo), across from Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. As of the 2005 census, the city population was 208,754. Laredo has the distinction of having seven flags flown over the city. Having been founded in 1755, Laredo grew from a villa to the Capital of the defunct Republic of the Rio Grande to the largest inland port on the United States-Mexican Border. Today, it has four international bridges and one railway bridge. The nearest airports to the city are the Laredo International Airport and the Quetzalcoatl International Airport. Laredo's weather is semi-arid during the summer and cool during the winter. The city has four semi-professional teams; Bucks, Broncos, Heat, and Lobos. Texas A&M International University and Laredo Community College call Laredo home. The biggest festival, Washington's Birthday Celebration is during February all month long, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists.




History

Map of Laredo in 1892

Villa de San Agustin de Laredo was founded in 1755 by Don Tomas Sanchez while the area was part of a region called Nuevo Santander in the Spanish colony of New Spain. Villa de San Agustin de Laredo got its name from Laredo, Cantabria, Spain and in honor of Saint Augustine of Hippo. In 1840, Laredo was the capital of the independent Republic of the Rio Grande, set up in rebellion to the dictatorship of Antonio López de Santa Anna and brought back into Mexico by military force. In 1846, during the Mexican-American War the town was occupied by the Texas Rangers. After the war the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo ceded the land to the United States. A referendum was taken in the town, which voted overwhelmingly to petition the American military government in charge of the area to return the town to Mexico. However, this petition was rejected, and in response the bulk of the population moved over the river into Mexican territory to found the new town of Nuevo Laredo. In 1849, the military set up Fort McIntosh (originally Camp Crawford) by the town. Laredo was rechartered as a city in 1852. Laredo is one of the oldest border crossing points along the U.S.-Mexico border, and the nation's largest inland port of entry. In 2005, Laredo celebrated the 250th anniversary of its founding.

The city is heavily Democratic in political affiliation. Participation in the Democratic primaries usually exceeds that of the general elections.

Geography

Location of Laredo, Texas
Location of Laredo, Texas

Laredo is located at 27°31′28″N 99°29′26″W / 27.52444°N 99.49056°W / 27.52444; -99.49056Invalid arguments have been passed to the {{#coordinates:}} function (27.524445, -99.490593).Template:GR This is 130 miles (209 km) west of Corpus Christi and 144 miles (232 km) southwest of San Antonio. Laredo is located on the west end of the Rio Grande Plains which is south of the Edwards Plateau, Coastal Plains to the east, and Mexican Mountains to the west. The area consists of a few hills and flat land covered mostly of brush: grass lands, drawf oak, and mesquite. It is a prime location for deer and javelina hunting for the annual Cola Blanca Contest that brings hunters from across the United States and Mexico. A notable geographic feature is Lake Casa Blanca in Lake Casa Blanca International State Park. The city's lake consists of 371 land acres and 1650 lake surface acres.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 206.0 km² (79.6 mi²). 203.2 km² (78.5 mi²) of it is land and 2.8 km² (1.1 mi²) of it (1.37%) is water.

Climate

Foggy morning at Mall Del Norte

Laredo's weather is attributed to its location between Mexican mountains to the west and the Gulf of Mexico to the east. Much of Laredo's year-round dry and hot weather is influenced by the deserts of Northern Mexico and any moisture from the Pacific is cut-off by the Mexican mountain range. While Laredo does receive moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, its geographic location causes Laredo to have extreme weather events such as long periods of heat to sudden violent storms with sometimes even tornadoes in a short period of time. Laredo is cold for south Texas standards during winter, the average daytime highs are around 57F and overnight lows around 26F; snow is common about 2-3 days out of the year in the winter season mostly happenning in January since it is the coldest month with an average of about 2.5 inches of snow annually, and although it is rare for snow to happen in a month rather than January in Laredo, there was actually snow on the ground for a few hours on the morning of Christmas Day 2004.

Laredo typically experiences an average high temperature of about 102.0F (40.6 C), and an average low of about 75.9F (23.3) during summer, and 20 inches of rain per-year. As Laredo sometimes undergoes drought, a water conservation ordinance was implemented in 2003.

Template:Laredo Weather

Demographics

As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there were 276,576 people, 46,852 households, and 39,964 families residing in the city. The population density was 868.9/km² (2,250.5/mi²). There were 50,319 housing units at an average density of 247.6/km² (641.3/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 82.27% White, 0.37% African American, 0.44% Native American, 0.46% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 13.94% from other races, and 2.49% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino accounts for 99.13% of the population in terms of ethnicity.

There were 46,852 households out of which 52.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.0% were married couples living together, 18.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 14.7% were non-families. 12.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.70 and the average family size was 4.05.

In the city the population was spread out with 35.5% under the age of 18, 11.4% from 18 to 24, 29.5% from 25 to 44, 15.8% from 45 to 64, and 7.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 27 years. For every 100 females there were 92.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $9,108, and the median income for a family was $12,449. Males had a median income of $4,070 versus $1,202 for females. The per capita income for the city was $1,084. 29.6% of the population and 25.2% of families were below the poverty line. 97.7% of those under the age of 18 and 86.1% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

Family income has steadily increased over the years. In 1970, the median family income was $4,213 and progressively increased to $18,395 by 1990. In 1995 the Department of Housing and Urban Development estimated Laredo's median family income at $19,200. According to the United States Census Bureau, at a 2000 census, Laredo is the second fastest growing city in the United States, (Las Vegas, Nevada, being the first).

Government

Laredo's municipal government is controlled by a strong city council-weak mayor system. Although the mayor presides over the city council, he/she may only vote to break a tie. City Council elections are based on single-member districts and campaigns have no party affiliations. City elections are held in May The city's municipal government is administered by the city manager who is hired by the city council. All city elected offices have a four-year term. City council meetings are held on Mondays and can be viewed on the public access channel.

City Mayor - Raul G. Salinas


City Manager - Carlos Villareal

City Council:
District 1 - Mike Garza
District 2 - Hector "Tito" Garcia
District 3 - Dr. Michael Landeck
District 4 - Johnny Amaya
District 5 - Johnny Rendon
District 6 - Gene Belmares
District 7 - Juan Chavez
District 8 - Juan Ramirez

State & Federal Representatives

Texas House of Representatives
District 31 - Ryan Guillen, Democrat
District 42 - Richard Peña Raymond, Democrat

Texas Senate
District 21 - Judith Zaffirini, Democrat

United States House of Representatives
District 28 - Henry Cuellar, Democrat

Education

Laredo is home to the Laredo Community College[1] and Texas A&M International University[2]. The University of Texas Health Science Center[3] has a campus in Laredo. Laredo has two school districts. The areas in central Laredo are served by the Laredo Independent School District.[4] Areas in other parts of Laredo and northern Webb County are in the United Independent School District.[5] The city also has four private schools; San Agustin Private High School[6] United Day School, Mary Help of Christians, and Blessed Sacrament.

People & Culture

Annual festivals

File:Society of Martha Washington Colonial Pageant & Ball.jpg
Society of Martha Washington Colonial Pageant & Ball

The Washington's Birthday Celebration (WBCA) [7] is an almost month long held event that celebrates George Washington's Birthday. It was founded in 1898 by the Improved Order of the Red Men, local chapter Yaqui Tribe #59. It is the largest celebration of its kind in the United States with approximately 400,000 attendees annually. The first celebration was a phenomenal success and its success and popularity grew rapidly and in 1923 it received its state charter. In 1924, the Celebration featured its first Colonial Pageant, which featured thirteen young girls from Laredo, representing the thirteen original colonies. The celebration includes parades, a carnival, an air show, fireworks, live concerts and a city-wide prom during which many of Laredo's elite dress very nicely. One of its main events, the Jalapeño Festival, has recently been named one of the United States' top 10 eating festivals due to its Jalapeño Eating Contest. The WBCA has become a Laredo institution, with its history closely tied to the history of the community.

Jamboozie is held in late January in downtown Laredo as part of the Washington Birthday Celebrations. As somewhat of an imitation of New Orlean's Mardi Gras, the Jamboozie is known to be a colorful event, with many people dressed in beads and masks and sometimes flamboyant outfits. Besides many concession stands and up to four stages that feature local and regional bands (mostly alternative rock, classic rock and Spanish music), there are also several bars along the proximity that are open.

Recreational

Lake Casa Blanca

Lake Casa Blanca International State Park[8] is a park with a 1,680 acre artificial lake, uses of the park include cooking out, camping, picnicking, lake swimming, skiing, boating, mountain biking, and the most popular recreational use of the lake is fishing. Boat ramps are available throughout the lake. The lake is located on the eastside of the city. The park was operated jointly by the City of Laredo and Webb County before it was acquired by the state in 1990 and opened in March 1991.

Museums

Republic of the Rio Grande Capitol Building Museum[9] is located in the downtown historical district next to the historical La Posada Hotel. It was once the Republic of the Rio Grande Capitol building now showcases memorabilia from the short lived Republic of the Rio Grande. It displays pictures, books, and furniture from the 19th century Laredo area. It offers guided tours for school age children and adults year-round. Because of this Republic, Laredo had flown seven flags instead of the traditional Six Flags over Texas.

The Laredo Center for the Arts[10] is located in historic downtown Laredo. The building houses three galleries: the Goodman Gallery, the Laredo Art League Gallery and the Lilia G. Martinez Gallery. The Center for the Arts, located in the former City Hall offices known as the Mercado, displays regional artwork and provides community events for children and adults. Across the street, the former Plaza Theater is currently under consideration for renovation for a future performing arts theater. Located in east Laredo in an area what is known as the "base" or airport grounds, the Laredo Little Theater provides Laredoans with live stage performances. The theater also hosts comedians.

Imaginarium of South Texas[11] (formerly Laredo Children's Museum), located in Mall del Norte, provides a hands-on experience with science, technology, and art for Laredo's youth. A second museum is planned on the Texas A&M International University campus[12].

Planetarium

The Lamar Bruni Vergara Science Center Planetarium[13] is located in the Texas A&M International University Laredo campus. The Planetarium surrounds audiences in a dome with an accurate image of the night sky. It can show all the motions and cycles of the sky. It can create a multi-media experience that reveals the wonders of the cosmos. It can interpret the Universe in a way that appeals to both the mind and eye. The Planetarium will introduce you to a life-long acquaintance with the sky and the Universe. The Digistar 3 system at the TAMIU Planetarium can take audiences on a fantastic voyage through the cosmos.

Nightlife

A central part containing nightlife is the area around the Laredo Entertainment Center. Right next to the LEC is Hal's Landing, a restaurant/arcade/bar that provides entertainment for both children and adults. Across the street is Las Cananas Revolution Bar, a nightclub that plays international music. Along the way to the LEC is South Beach, a small bar that serves as a restaurant by day. Another nightclub around the area is Club Eros, which plays mostly hip hop and house music. The Hollywood Theater, a movie theater that seats almost 2,000 people, is located right next to Hal's Landing.

On Del Mar Blvd, there is a small area known as "the strip" with several bars including the popular Agave Azul. Other bars include F Bar (a bar that specializes in dance music and has welcomed several well known DJs) and Chelseas (located in Downtown Laredo, this bar caters to Laredo's homosexual community).

People from Laredo

Famous people born in Laredo, TX


Politicians with ties to Laredo, Texas

Famous people residing in Laredo, TX

Sports

Laredo Bucks

Laredo Bucks Logo

Laredo is home to the two-time President's Cup Champion Laredo Bucks hockey team, which play at the Laredo Entertainment Center. The Laredo Bucks are part of the Southeast Division of the Central Hockey League and were inaugurated in the 2002-2003 season. The Bucks were awarded Franchise of the Year in their first year of operation. The Laredo Bucks are the 2003-2004 and the 2005-2006 Central Hockey League President's Cup Champions as well as the 2003-04 Governors’ Cup Regular Season Champions. They have made the playoffs since the first year in play and have gone to the finals the past three years, winning 2/3. They have also been the Southeast Division Champions the last 3 years.

Laredo Lobos

The Laredo Lobos is an Arena Football 2 franchise team. The team was founded in 2006. It finished 6th with a 2-12 record in its first season, when it was a member of the Intense Football League. Laredo Entertainment Center is its home field.

Laredo Broncos

The United Baseball League brought back professional baseball to Laredo. The Laredo Broncos plays its home games at Veterans Field, while its new state of the art baseball complex is built. The team was founded in 2005.

Laredo Heat

The Laredo Heat is a United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League team. Its home stadium is the Student Activity Center. The team was founded in 2004. It plays in the Mid-South Division of the Southern Conference In the 2006 season the Laredo Heat finished Runner-up yet made it only to the first round of the Open Cup.

Stadiums / Arenas

Laredo Entertainment Center

File:LECW.JPG
Laredo Entertainment Center

The Laredo Entertainment Center is located at Loop 20 and Jacaman Road. LEC is the home of the Laredo Bucks and the Laredo Lobos. It is a multipurpose stadium with a capacity of 9,622. It was completed in mid 2002 with the help of the Laredo sales tax increase of .25%. Sports that can be played at the LEC include Hockey, Arena Football, Indoor Soccer, Basketball, Wrestling, and Boxing.

The Student Activity Center

The Student Activity Center Sports Complex is located in the Texas State Highway 359. It is utilized for United Independent School District's students. It was built in 2004 and it contains the city's only artificial grass stadium. The SAC is also the home of the Laredo Heat. It's capacity is 8,500. Sports played at the SAC include Football, Soccer, and Baseball.

Shirley Field

The Shirley Field is located next to the Civic Center on San Bernardo Ave, is the location for outdoor athletics for Laredo Independent School District and also hosts the annual Border Olympics events.

Veterans Field

Veterans Field is a baseball park. It is the home field of the Laredo Broncos. It seats 5,000. Major renovation is happening to update the 1950 ball park.

Transportation

Air

Laredo is served by the Laredo International Airport. Daily flights are available to Houston (George Bush Intercontinental Airport) and to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Tri-weekly flights to Las Vegas, Nevada are available. The Quetzalcoatl International Airport is located in Nuevo Laredo and it has daily flights to Mexico City. Cargo operators DHL, FedEx, and UPS operate hubs at Laredo International. Laredo also has two medical helipads, at Laredo Medical Center and Doctor's Hospital.

Transit

El Metro is the transit system that operates in Laredo with 21 fixed routes and Paratransit services with approximately 4.6 million passengers per year. El Metro works with a fleet of over 47 fixed route buses, 2 trolleys and 18 Paratransit/El Lift vans. El Metro hub is located in downtown Laredo.

Border Crossings

Laredo, Texas has 4 international vehicular bridges[14]: Gateway to the Americas International Bridge, Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge, Colombia-Solidarity International Bridge, and World Trade International Bridge. It also has an international railway bridge the Texas-Mexican Railway International Bridge. There are 3 proposed international bridges Laredo International Bridge 5, Laredo International Railway Bridge 2, and Laredo-Colombia International Railway Bridge 3.

Laredo Highways

US 81 originally had its terminus in Laredo until 1991, when its terminus moved to San Antonio. Today, this highway now ends in Fort Worth.

Sister cities

Online Laredo Newspapers & Media

13 AM Stations
19 FM Stations
14 TV Stations

Newspapers

Television

AM Radio

FM Radio

See also Online Nuevo Laredo Newspapers & Media

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References

  1. ^ Laredo Community College Home Page
  2. ^ Texas A&M International University Home Page
  3. ^ University of Texas Health Science Center Laredo Campus Home Page
  4. ^ LISD Home Page
  5. ^ UISD Home Page
  6. ^ San Augustine High School Private Catholic School,
  7. ^ Washigton's Birthday Celebration Association Home Page
  8. ^ Texas Parks and Wildlife, Lake Casa Blanca International State Park
  9. ^ Republic of the Rio Grande Museum Home Page
  10. ^ Laredo Center for the Arts Home Page
  11. ^ Imaginarium of South Texas Home Page
  12. ^ Second Imaginarium Museum on TAMIU Campus
  13. ^ The Lamar Bruni Vergara Science Center Planetarium Home Page
  14. ^ Laredo Bridge System

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