Laredo is the seat of Webb County in southern Texas. It is one of the oldest border crossings between the United States and Mexico. Like El Paso, it is on the Rio Grande, which separates the United States from Mexico. Covering 90.01 sq mi, Laredo has a population of 236,000 people (2011 estimate), making it the third most populous border town in the United States after El Paso and San Diego.

Sandstone house on Grant Street, Laredo, TexasSandstone house on Grant Street, Laredo, Texas
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Laredo on the eastern bank (also regarded as northern bank) of the Rio Grande, right across from Nuevo Laredo in Mexico. Together, the Laredo-Nuevo Laredo metropolitan area has a total population of some 640,000 people.

Laredo experiences a semi-arid climate. July is the hottest month, with average high temperature of 102°F (39°C). January is the coldest month, when the average low temperature drops to 44°F (7°C). Precipitation totals only 21.53 in (546 mm) for the whole year, with June being the wettest month, receiving 2.99 in (75.9 mm) of rain.

Laredo was founded by Don Tomás Sánchez as Villa de San Agustin de Laredo in 1755, after Laredo, Spain. In 1840, it became the capital of the shortlived Republic of the Rio Grande before being absorbed into the United States in 1846. The residents rejected being under the American military government, and petitioned that the town be returned to Mexico. When the United States rejected the petition, most of the people of Laredo voted with their feet, crossing the Rio Grande to establish Nuevo Laredo.

Laredo was given city status in 1852. Today close to half its trade is with Mexico. 47% of the international trade conducted by the United States with Mexico passes through Laredo. The city develops into a major industrial warehousing hub, centered on the import and export business.

Visiting Laredo

Laredo is served by Interstate 35 which connects it to San Antonio. The Laredo International Airport (LRD) receives flights from Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston and Las Vegas.

Places of Interest in Laredo

  1. Lake Casa International State Park
    Reservoir with various recreational opportunities about 5 miles to the northeast of downtown Laredo.

  2. Lamar Bruni Vergara Science Center Planetarium
    Planetarium within the campus of the Texas A&M International University.

  3. Republic of the Rio Grande Capitol Building Museum
    Museum housed in what was once the capitol building of the shortlived Republic of Rio Grande. It provides a history of the republic.

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