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Revision as of 19:28, 23 August 2008

City of Laredo
City
Flag of City of Laredo
Flag
Coat of arms of City of Laredo
Coat of arms
Nickname: 
The Gateway City" & "The City Under Seven Flags
Location of Laredo in Texas
Location of Laredo in Texas
Location of Laredo in Webb County
Location of Laredo in Webb County
CountryUnited States
StateTexas
CountyWebb
Metropolitan AreaLaredo-Nuevo Laredo Metropolitan Area
Settled1755
Government
 • TypeMayor / City Manager
 • MayorRaul G. Salinas
 • City ManagerCarlos R. Villarreal
Area
 • City84.54 sq mi (218.96 km2)
 • Land83.44 sq mi (216.11 km2)
 • Water1.1 sq mi (2.8489 km2)  1.3011%
 • Metro
161.76 sq mi (418.96 km2)
Elevation
438 ft (137.2 m)
Population
 (2007)
 • City217,559
 • Density2,469.20/sq mi (960.36/km2)
 • Metro
737,396+
 • Metro density4,943.92/sq mi (1,908.86/km2)
 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
FIPS code48-41464Template:GR
GNIS feature ID1339633Template:GR
Laredo Airport:Laredo International Airport KLRD LRD
Nuevo Laredo Airport:Quetzalcoatl International Airport MMNL NLD
WebsiteCity of Laredo

Laredo (Template:Pron-en "luh-RAID-o" in English, Error using {{IPA symbol}}: "laˈɾeðo" not found in list in Spanish) is the county seat of Webb County, Texas, United States, located on the north bank of the Rio Grande (Río Bravo) in South Texas, across from Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. According to the 2006 census estimate, the city population was 217,559[1]. Laredo is part of the Laredo-Nuevo Laredo Metropolitan Area with an estimate population of 737,396[2]. Laredo's economy is primarily based on international trade with Mexico whereas it has the distinction of being the largest inland port in the United States. Most major transportation companies have a facility in Laredo. Laredo's location along the southern end of I-35 and in proximity with maquiladoras (manufacturers) in North Mexico promotes its vital role in trade between the United States and Mexico.

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 brief 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. Laredo's weather is semi-arid during the summer and mild during the winter.

Laredo International Airport is within the Laredo city limits, while the Quetzalcoatl International Airport is nearby in Nuevo Laredo in Mexico. The city has three professional sports teams: the Bucks, Broncos, and Heat. 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
External Timeline A graphical timeline is available at
Timeline of Laredo, Texas

Villa de San Agustin de Laredo was founded in 1755 by Don Tomás Sánchez 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 origin of name of Laredo is unclear. Some scholars say the name might stem from Glaretum which means "sandy, rocky place" others state that Laredo stems from Euskaro and means "beautiful prairies"[3][4]. Laredo might also stem from Laridae which means gull or it might be made up of two Latin words lar which means home and edo which means birth.

Geography

Satellite image of Laredo and Nuevo Laredo taken by NASA in 2007
Foggy morning at the Mall del Norte

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

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 acres (1.5 km2) of land and 1,650 acres (7 km2) of lake.

Climate

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 66 °F (19 C) and overnight lows around 43 °F (6 C); although it is rare for snow to fall 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 99 °F (37 C), and an average low of about 75 °F (24 C) during summer, and 20 inches (510 mm) of rain per year. As Laredo sometimes undergoes drought, a water conservation ordinance was implemented in 2003.

Template:Laredo Weather

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1790708—
18201,430—
18302,05243.5%
18702,049—
18803,52171.8%
189011,319221.5%
190013,42918.6%
191014,85510.6%
192022,71052.9%
193032,61843.6%
194039,27420.4%
195051,91032.2%
196060,67816.9%
197069,67814.8%
198091,44931.2%
1990122,89934.4%
2000176,57643.7%
2005 (est.)208,754

According to the censusTemplate:GR estimate of 2006[5][6], there were 231,470 people. In the 2005 estimate there were 99,675 males and 108,112 females living in 60,816 households, out of those 33,832 were owner occupied. The average household size has 3.69 occupants. The population density was 2,250.5 people per square mile (868.9/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 179,887 or 86.6% White, 1,012 or 0.5% African American, 599 or 0.3% Native American, 779 or 0.4% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 23,932 or 11.5% from other races, and 1,578 or 0.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino accounts for 197,198 or 94.9% of the population in terms of ethnicity.

There were a total of 60,816 households out of which 56,247 or 92.5% were occupied, 33,832 were owner occupied units and 22,415 were renter occupied units. 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 3.69 and the average family size was 4.18

The city's 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 $32,019, and the median income for a family was $32,577. The per capita income for the city was $12,269. 29.2% of families were below the poverty line.

According to the United States Census Bureau, at a 2000 census, Laredo was the second fastest growing city in the United States, (Las Vegas, Nevada, being the first).

Laredo places in the top 100 cities of largest population in the United States in 88th place. Out of the top 350 cities in the United States, Laredo was ranked 348th place.

Government

Webb County Administration Building
Laredo Police Department
Webb County Courthouse is located in Laredo

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 of even numbered years. The municipal government is administered by the city manager who is hired by the city council. All city elected offices have a four-year term and are technically nonpartisan though most officials have a party preference or affiliation. 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 - Joseph Michael Garza
District 2 - Hector "Tito" Garcia
District 3 - Dr. Michael Landeck
District 4 - Juan Narvaez Jr
District 5 - Juan Jose "Johnny" Rendon
District 6 - Gene Belmares
District 7 - Jose Valdez, Jr.
District 8 - Cindy Liendo Espinoza

State and 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 Public Library

Elementary and secondary

Laredo is served by two school districts: the Laredo Independent School District and the United Independent School District and 8 private schools.

The Laredo Independent School District[7] (LISD) serves the areas in central Laredo. The LISD high schools are Cigarroa High School, Martin High School, J. W. Nixon High School and the Laredo Early College High School. LISD also contains three school|magnet schools: Dr. Dennis D. Cantu Health Science Magnet School, LISD Magnet for Engineering and Technology Education, and Vidal M. Trevino School of Communications and Fine Arts.

The United Independent School District[8] serves the areas in other parts of Laredo and northern Webb County. The name "United" derived from several school districts coming together and forming one district. The UISD high schools are John B. Alexander High School, Lyndon B. Johnson High School, United High School, United South High School. UISD also has three magnet schools: John B. Alexander Health Science Magnet, United Engineering Magnet, and the United South Business Magnet. Currently, there are 39 schools within UISD and more are under construction and/or in the development stage. United ISD is one of the fastest growing districts in the state, serving almost 40,000 students and covering an area near the size of Rhode Island.

The city is also served by eight private schools:

Colleges and universities

Texas A&M International University Library
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio-Laredo Campus Main Building

Laredo is home to the Laredo Community College[10] (LCC) and Texas A&M International University[11] (TAMIU). The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio[12] has a campus in Laredo.

The Laredo Community College is a two-campus institution which offers two-year Associates Degrees. The main campus is located in west Laredo near the Rio Grande. The smaller but newer second campus is located in deep south Laredo along United States Highway 83. The main campus is located at the western end of downtown Laredo on the land formerly known as Fort McIntosh. This fort played a major role in the development of Laredo as it served to protect Laredo's border from Indian raids in its early history. Several of the fort's old buildings were converted into classrooms.

The Texas A&M International University is a 4/6 year university that offers Bachelors and Master's Degrees. On April 22 2004[1], the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in Austin provided its approval for Texas A&M International University to grant its first Ph.D. in International Business Administration[2] [3]. On May 12 2007, Christine Bernadas made history as the university's first Ph.D. graduate in International Business [4][5]. TAMIU’s College of Business Administration has been named an outstanding business school in "The Princeton Review’s" “Best 282 Business Schools,” 2007 Edition, and ranked third in the nation for the category: “Greatest Opportunity for Minority Students[6].” The university's campus is located in Northeast Laredo along Loop 20. The university was once an extension of Texas A&I-Kingsville and later changed to Laredo State University. Prior to its current location along Loop 20, the university was housed on Laredo Community College's downtown campus grounds.

The University of Texas Health Science Center campus is located in East Laredo near U.S. Highway 59 and the Laredo Medical Center. The campus is an extension university from UTHSC in San Antonio, Texas. The university offers Doctoral Degrees in the medical and dental fields.

Economy

The Laredo National Bank is one of the strongest banking institutions in Laredo, Texas
The Mall del Norte is one of the largest malls in South Texas
Texas Community Bank headquarters
Duty-free Zone
El Portal Center
El Portal Center and Rio grande plaza view from nuevo Laredo
North Creek plaza in Laredo
Laredo is the destination for many Mexican shoppers that come from as far away as Mexico City. Due to Laredo's location new hotels have been built around the city such as the Embassy Suites.
Walker Plaza in Laredo
Blas Ccastañeda Park
NE Hillside Recreational Center
Laredo is located in the northern banks of the Rio Grande
Most families in Laredo, Texas have cook outs during the weekend. this picture shows a typical Laredo BBQ grill
Tamiqueña Plate as served in many Laredo Mexican restaurants

Laredo is home to 4 South Texas banking institutions Falcon International Bank, International Bank of Commerce, Laredo National Bank, and Texas Community Bank. Thanks to Laredo's location in North America, Interstate Highway 35 / Mexican Federal Highway 85, the passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), dozens of twin assembly plants, and dozens of import export agencies to expedite trade, Laredo is the largest inland port in the United States and Nuevo Laredo the largest in Latin America. Laredo is also a shopping destination for many Mexican shoppers from Northern Mexico and in some cases from the Mexican interior especially from the Mexican states of Coahuila, Durango, Mexico State, Nuevo Leon, San Luis Potosi, and Tamaulipas.

Trade

More than 47% of United States international trade headed for Mexico and more than 36% of Mexican international trade crosses through the Laredo port of entry[13][14]. Laredo's economy and everyday lifestyle revolves around commercial and industrial warehousing, import, and export. As a major player of international trade, Laredo's economy has benefit with the passing of the North American Free Trade Agreement. The city's Laredo International Airport has non-stop flights to Houston, Dallas, and Las Vegas. The Laredo port of entry consists of five international bridges crossing the Rio Grande into the Mexican states of Tamaulipas and Nuevo Leon.

Retail sales

Retail sales also helps the Laredo-Nuevo Laredo economy, it attracts shoppers from Northern Mexico and South Texas[15]. There are 2 indoor shopping malls located in the area and dozens of shopping centers. The Streets of Laredo Urban Mall is an association created by businesses located in Iturbide Street in the San Agustin historical district to beautify and renovate the area[16]. By 2009 Laredo will have an additional 2 malls which are currently under construction:

Labor market information

As of October 2007, Laredo's labor market was in the following industries by percentage of number employed: Trade, Transportation and Utilities (32%), Information (1%), Financial Activity (5%), Professional and Business Services (6%), Education and Health Services (15%), Leisure and Hospitality (10%), Government (23%), Mining and Construction (5%), Manufacturing (2%), and Other Services (2%).

Laredo has increased the number of non-agricultural jobs from 55,100 in January 1996 to 86,600 in October 2007. Laredo has experienced higher than the state in average job growth rate (2%-6.5%) during the same period due to expansion of international trade as the result of the North American Free Trade Agreement. Thus far, for 2007, Laredo has experienced a job growth rate of 2.5%. As of October 2007, the Laredo unemployment rate is 4.1% or 3,700 unemployed persons as compared to 3.9% Texas statewide. This is a significant drop since the mid-1990s when Laredo's unemployment was over 15%.

Although statistically Laredo has experience positive job market growth since the mid-1990s, setbacks in the Mining (oil/gas) industry shifted a few thousand workers to other industries such as international trade and construction. Many large employers in the oil and gas industries shut down operations in Laredo and across Texas and shifted to foreign countries. The same effect occurred in the garment industry (Levis and Haggar) along the Texas border area, but Laredo experienced the closing of the one and only garment-producing company (Barry) of about 300 workers. Laredo's strong job growth rate in retail and transportation services contributed in limiting the adverse effects of long-term unemployment in the few massive layoffs of the late 1990s. Laredo's vulnerability continue to exist in international trade due to unforeseen changes to Mexico's economy, immigration laws (along with daily border crossings: shoppers and commercial trade) and terrorism as the result of September 11th. Otherwise, Laredo moves forward as major investments continue to show promising job growth rates in most industries.[20]

People and culture

Annual festivals

The Washington's Birthday Celebration (WBCA) [21] 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 in very formal attire. 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[22], located on Loop 20, contains a 1,680-acre (7 km2) artificial lake along with cooking out, camping, picnicking, lake swimming, skiing, boating, mountain biking, and the most popular recreational use of the lake is fishing. A boat ramp and fishing pier is available on the eastern side of the lake. Although the park is opened for day-use only, campsites are available on eastern side of the lake. The lake is a popular destination for winter Texans (northern state retirees who make southern states their winter home). 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.

Golf

Laredo has two 18-hole golf courses; the Laredo Country Club[23] and the Casa Blanca Golf Course[24]. The Laredo Country Club is an 18-hole private course that features 7,125 yards (6,515 m) of golf. The golf course has a rating of 74.6, a slope rating of 133, and has a par of 72. The country club was designed by Joseph S. Finger and was opened in 1983.[25] The Casa Blanca Golf Course is an 18-hole course that features 6,590 yards (6,030 m) of golf. The golf course has a rating of 72.5, a slope rating of 125, and has a par of 72. The golf course was designed by Leon Howard and was opened in 1967.[26] There is also an 18-hole country club across the border in Nuevo Laredo. The Club Campestre Riviera del Bravo in Nuevo Laredo is an 18-hole that features 6,325 yards (5,784 m) of golf. The golf course has a rating of 71.1 and has a par of 72.[27]

Parks, recreational centers, plazas, and baseball fields

The City of Laredo owns 8 recreational centers, 34 developed parks, 22 undeveloped parks or under construction, 5 baseball fields, and 4 plazas. The parks total area is 618 acres (2.50 km2).[28]

Recreational centers

  • Canizales Boxing Gym
  • Cigarroa Recreational Center
  • D. D. Hachar Recreational Center
  • Farrias Recreational Center
  • Tarver Recreational Center
  • La Ladrilleria Recreational Center
  • NE Hillside Recreational Center
  • LBV Tech Recreational Center

Baseball parks

  • Al King Little League Park
  • East Martin Field
  • Community Baseball Fields
  • Cruz Little League Field
  • Veteran's Field

Plazas

  • Bruni Plaza
  • Jarvis Plaza
  • San Agustin Plaza
  • St. Peter's Plaza

Developed parks

  • Albert Ochoa Park
  • Aldo Tatangelo Walkway
  • Azteca Park
  • Base Community Complex
  • Benavides Park
  • Blas Castañeda Park
  • Canizales Park
  • Chaparral Park
  • Circle Drive Park
  • Civic Center Pool
  • Del Mar Community Park
  • Dryden Park
  • East Central Park
  • Father McNoboe Park
  • Freddy Benavides Complex
  • Garcia-Vela Park
  • La Ladrillera Park
  • Las Brisas Park
  • Las Palmas Park Trail
  • Los Dos Laredos Park
  • Lyon Street Skate Park
  • Market Street Complex
  • Noon lions Park
  • Ochoa Sanchez Park
  • Santa Fe Park
  • Santa Rita Park
  • Scott Street Park
  • Seven Flags Park
  • Taylor Street Park
  • Three Points Park & Pool
  • Toddler Park
  • Villa del Sol Park
  • Zacate Creek Park
  • Zacate Linear Park

Undeveloped parks

  • Andrew Circle
  • Anna Truck
  • Bruni Park
  • Centry City Park
  • Cheyenne
  • Country Club Estates
  • Dillyworth Park
  • Eastwoods Park
  • Eisletter Park
  • El Cuatro Park
  • El Paseo
  • Farias
  • George Washington
  • Indian Sunset
  • Inner City Park
  • Lafayette Park
  • Loma Alta
  • El Eden
  • Regency Park
  • Slaughter Park
  • South Laredo Park
  • Village Hieghts

Museums

Today a part of the Republic of the Rio Grande's Capitol building is used as a museum in Laredo, Texas that showcases pictures and history of the short lived republic
Lamar Bruni Vergara Science Center Planetarium

Republic of the Rio Grande Capitol Building Museum[29] 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[30] 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[31] (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[32].

The Nuevo Santander Museum Complex comprises restored buildings of Fort McIntosh, a historical collection of photographs of the fort, the main Guardhouse, which contains World War I (1914-1918) memorabilia, and a science and technology museum.

Planetarium

The Lamar Bruni Vergara Science Center Planetarium[33] 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.

Library

The Laredo Public Library main building

The Laredo Public Library[34] was first housed on the second floor of the City Hall, now known as the Market Hall, in 1916. In 1974, the Laredo Public Library moved to the historic Bruni Plaza in downtown Laredo. In 1993, the citizens of Laredo approved the construction of a new main library. The new main library opened its doors for the first time in February 1, 1998. The Laredo Public Library has a 60,000 sq ft (6,000 m2). main library and two branches that serve the City of Laredo. The main library is located in central Laredo and the Bruni Plaza Branch[35] is located in downtown, and the Santo Niño Branch is located in south Laredo[36].

Nightlife

Laredo has many known nightlife establishments. Next to the arena is Hal's Landing, a restaurant that also serves as a bar and an arcade. Across the street is Las Cananas, an upscale Mexican-flavored nightclub that plays mostly international and house music, as well as playing host to mostly international bands. Other bars/clubs in the area are The Cellar and Club Tonic.

"The Strip", located right off of Del Mar Blvd., has also proven to be a popular party scene, featuring popular restaurant/bars such as Agave Azul, Old No.2, Cosmos, Crawdaddy's, and The Bleu Room.

Other popular nightspots in the city include Average Joe's (which features rock bands), F Lounge (which features house music and has played host to many well known DJ's), and Chelsea's (A popular gay bar downtown).

Architecture

Main article: List of buildings in Laredo, Texas


The San Agustin Cathedral Clock Tower is the second tallest structure in Laredo, Texas

Laredo’s architecture is of Spanish Colonial, American, and Mexican flavor. Most of Laredo's Spanish colonial buildings are located in downtown Laredo especially in the San Agustin Historical District but they are also spread out throughout the whole city which includes the Laredo Medical Center, Texas National Bank headquarters and branches, the Laredo Town Center, and others. American architecture can be seen along Interstate Highway 35. Some of the buildings of American architecture are the Hamilton Hotel, Rio Grande Plaza, Walker Plaza, the Laredo Federal Courthouse, and the Laredo City Hall.

List of the tallest buildings in Laredo, Texas:

Rank[37] Building Name Height Floors Year Built
01 Hamilton Hotel 150 ft (46 m) 12 1923
02 San Agustin Cathedral 141 ft (43 m) N/A 1872
03 Rio Grande Plaza - 15 1975
04 Holiday Inn Laredo - 14 1984
05 Laredo National Bank - 10 1926
06 Senior Citizens Home - 8 -
07 Laredo Medical Center - 7 -
08 Gateway Inn - 6 -
09 Rialto Hotel - 6 1925
10 Walker Plaza - 5 -

Health care

The Laredo Medical Center is the largest medical center in Laredo
The Laredo Specialty Hospital
Providence Surgical & Medical Center in Laredo

There are five medical centers in Laredo, the Laredo Medical Center, Doctor's Hospital, Gateway Community Health Center, Providence Surgical & Medical Center, and the Laredo Specialty Hospital. The largest hospital in Laredo is the Laredo Medical Center. The Laredo Medical Center[38] (formally Mercy Hospital) is a 650,000-square-foot (60,000 m2) complex in a 50 acre campus with 325 licensed beds and 180 active physicians. Its main building is located in central Laredo along U.S. Highway 59. Besides its main building, the Laredo Medical Center has specialized branches throughout the city, the main ones are: the Ambulatory Care Center North is an outpatient facility[39], McClelland Diagnostic Center is an out-patient diagnostic center[40], Laredo Medical Sleep Center[41]
Laredo Medical Center Services include:

Doctor's Hospital[42] is the second largest medical center in Laredo. The hospital complex is over 250,000-square-foot (23,000 m2) complex with 180 licensed beds in a 58 acre campus and is affiliated to Universal Health Services. It is located in Loop 20 in north Laredo. Behind the main building the Doctors Regional Cancer Treatment Center which offers comprehensive cancer services.

The Providence Surgical & Medical Center[43] is an ambulatory health care center located in north-central Laredo which is also owed by Universal Health Services.
Doctor's Hospital services include:

The Gateway Community Health Center[44] is the third largest medical center in Laredo. The health center's main building is 64,000 square feet (5,900 m2) and three stories high. The Medical center recently moved in 2006 to its new $11,000,000 building. The main Gateway Community Health Center is located in East Laredo close to U.S. Highway 59. It also has three branches in the Laredo area: the South Clinic, El Cenizo Community Center, and Quad City Community Center.
Gateway Community Health Center services include:

  • Adult Primary Care
  • In-Patient Care
  • Obstetrical Care
  • Family Planning Clinic

The Laredo Specialty Hospital[45] is the fourth largest medical center in Laredo. It is owned by Ernest Health Inc. and was founded by Elmo Lopez Jr. on May 22, 2006 and admitted its first patient within hours of operation. Although in operation, it was not celebrated a "Grand Opening" by Webb County due to unannounced reasons until March 2007 when it was granted.

People from Laredo

Notable people born in Laredo

Texas State Senator Judith Pappas Zaffirini was born in Laredo.
File:Tom Delay old pix.jpg
House Majority Leader Thomas Dale DeLay 2003–2005

Notable people residing in Laredo but born elsewhere

Fictional characters from Laredo

  • Johnny Rio, the main character from John Rechy's novel Numbers, lived in Laredo before going to Los Angeles

Sports

Laredo Bucks

Rio Grande Plaza

Laredo is home to the two-time President's Cup Champion Laredo Bucks hockey team, which play at the Laredo Entertainment Center. The Bucks' successful coach is the native Canadian Terry Ruskowski (born 1954). 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 four years, setting a new CHL/WPHL record for consecutive Finals appearances and have won 2/4. They have also been the Southeast Division and Southern Conference Champions the last 4 years. The Laredo Bucks have also been in the top 5 every year since their inauguration in attendance.

Laredo Heat

The Laredo Heat is a United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League team. The team's home stadium is the Texas A&M International University Soccer Complex. 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. In the 2007 season, the Laredo Heat were the Southern Conference champions. And in 2007 Laredo heat won its first PDL Championship.

Laredo Broncos

The Laredo Broncos are a baseball team in the independent United League and Texas Winter League. The Laredo Broncos plays its home games at Veterans Field, while its new state of the art baseball complex is built[46]. The team was founded in 2005.

Stadiums and arenas

Laredo Entertainment Center

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. The 178,000-square-foot (16,500 m2), $36.5 million facility seats 8,002 people for ice hockey and arena football, and up to 10,000 for concerts. It has 14 luxury suites, four meeting rooms and a private club for 200 charter members. It was completed in mid 2002 with the help of the Laredo sales tax increase of .25 percent. Sports that can be played at the LEC include Hockey, Arena Football, Indoor Soccer, Basketball, Wrestling, and Boxing. The arena also hosts many events such as The Laredo Hunting and Fishing Show, Miss Texas USA, Laredo Home and Garden Show, and high school graduation ceremonies. Well-known artists and bands have performed in the arena such as Tool, Aerosmith,KISS,Elton John, Styx, ZZ TOP, Ricky Martin, George Lopez and many more.

The Student Activity Center

Holiday Inn
Comfort Suites in Laredo

The Student Activity Center Sports Complex is located on 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. Its capacity is 8,500. Sports played at the SAC include football, soccer, and baseball.

Texas A&M International University Soccer Complex

Texas A&M International University Soccer Complex (also known as Dustdevil Field and TAMIU Soccer Complex) was built in 2006 and renovated in 2007. The soccer complex is located in Laredo, Texas in the Texas A&M International University campus. The complex has two soccer stadiums with a seating capacity of 4,000 each. The Dustdevil Field is the new home stadium to the 2007 champion team Laredo Heat member of the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League (PDL) and the TAMIU Dustdevils women and men's soccer teams member of the Heartland Conference, NCAA Division II.[47]

Shirley Field

Shirley Field is located next to the Civic Center and R&T Martin High School on San Bernardo Ave. It was built in 1937, along with Martin High School. Shirley Field is the location for outdoor athletics for Laredo Independent School District and also hosts the annual Border Olympics events. It seats between 5,000 and 10,000 fans with additional seating at the 2 endzones. Professional Mexican soccer teams have played various exhibition games here, notting that the real grass allows for "better" soccer games. The various sports played on the stadium are football, soccer and track & field events. Major renovations are slated for this historic stadium.

Krueger Field

Krueger Field is located in north Laredo and is owned by United Independent School District. The stadium has a capacity of 3,000 and is used to play football and soccer. It is home to United High School's and John B. Alexander High School's football and soccer teams.

Veterans Field

Veterans Field is a baseball park which was previously known as West Martin Field. It is the home field for the Laredo Broncos. Its capacity is about 5,000. Major renovation is happening to update the 1950 ball park. Veterans Field was also the home to the five time champion Mexican Baseball League team Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos from 1985 to 2003. Veterans Field is also home to the Texas A&M International University's Heartland Conference NCAA Division II Dustdevils baseball team.

Transportation

Air

Laredo International Airport
Tex-Mex Railway International Bridge view from Laredo
I-35 and Loop 20 intersection
Map of the Laredo-Nuevo Laredo Metropolitan Area
I-35 and FM 1472 intersection

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. After Laredo Airforce Base closed in the mid-1970s, the federal government handed over the old airforce base and property to the City of Laredo for a new municipal airport. From the mid-1970s until mid-1990s, the airport utilized a small terminal for passenger airline service and several old hangers for aircargo and private aircraft. A new state-of-the art passenger terminal was built along the newly constructed Loop 20 to accommodate larger jets and to increase passenger air travel through Laredo. Expansion of air cargo facilities, taxiways and aprons, air cargo carriers such as DHL, FedEx, UPS, BAX, and others have responded by adding commercial aircargo jet services. Laredo also has two medical helipads, at Laredo Medical Center and Doctor's Hospital.

Mass transit

El Metro is the mass 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 at El Metro Transit Center. The Center also houses Greyhound Bus Lines and provides fee-based daily parking for downtown shoppers and workers.

Rural transit

Rural transportation is provided by the Webb County operated "El Aguila Rural Transportation" (the Eagle) bus services. El Aguila provides fixed daily routes from Rural Webb County (Bruni, El Cenizo, Mirando City, Oilton, and Rio Bravo) to the downtown Laredo Transit Center.

International bridges

Major highways

Major highways in Laredo and their starting and ending points:

Major highways in Nuevo Laredo and their starting and ending points:

Nearby cities

Template:Infobox Texas suburb

Texas Travel Information Center at I-35 in the Laredo district
City Population Distance (km)
Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas 355,827 0mi (0km)
Monclova, Coahuila 294,191 124mi (199km)
Monterrey, Nuevo Leon 3,664,334 125mi (201km)
Reynosa, Tamaulipas 526,888 130mi (209km)
Corpus Christi, Texas 409,741 131mi (211km)
San Antonio, Texas 1,942,217 154mi (248km)
Heroica Matamoros, Tamaulipas 462,157 167mi (268km)
Saltillo, Coahuila 648,929 181mi (291km)

Sister cities

During the month of January Laredo sponsors the Laredo International Sister Cities Festival which was founded in 2003. The festival is an internaional business, trade, tourism, and cultural expo. All of Laredo's sister cities are invited to participate. In 2004, the Laredo International Sister Cities Festival received the best overall Program award from the Sister Cities International.[48] The following list is of Laredo's sister cities.[49] [50] [51]

Pending:

Media

Newspapers

Name Frequency Language City Website
Laredo Morning Times Daily English Laredo lmtonline.com
LareDOS Monthly English Laredo laredosnews.com
El Diario Daily Spanish Nuevo Laredo diario.net
El Mañana Daily Spanish Nuevo Laredo elmanana.com
Primera Hora Daily Spanish Nuevo Laredo primerahora.com
Ultima Hora Daily Spanish Nuevo Laredo ultimahora.com

Television

CH VC DT DTV TWC Callsign Network City of License Official Website
02 - - - 99 XEFE Televisa Nuevo Laredo -
08 08.1 15.1 08 10 KGNS NBC Laredo pro8news.com
08.2 15.2 19 KTXW The CW Laredo Laredo CW comming soon
08.3 15.3 25 KGNS Telemundo Laredo telemundo.com comming soon
- - - 9 11 KLRN PBS San Antonio klrn.org
11 11.1 25.1 - 14 XHBR XEW Nuevo Laredo esmas.com
- - - 12 9 KSAT ABC San Antonio ksat.com
13 13.1 31.1 13 6 KVTV CBS Laredo cbs.com
21 21.1 50.1 - 98 XHLNA TV Azteca 13 Nuevo Laredo tvazteca.com
25 27.2 19.2 - 77 KETF Telefutura Laredo ketftv.com
27 27.1 19.1 27 12 KLDO Univision Laredo kldotv.com
- 27.4 19.4 - - KLDO LATV Laredo kldotv.com
33 33.1 51.1 - - XHLAT TV Azteca 7 Nuevo Laredo tvazteca.com
39 27.3 19.3 39 16 KXOF FOX/MyNet Laredo myfoxlaredo.com
45 - - - 15 XHNAT Multimedios Nuevo Laredo multimedios.tv
55 - - - - KNEX-LP Azteca America Laredo aztecaamerica.com
57 - - - - XHLAR Televisa Nuevo Laredo -
68 - - - - KLMV Religious Laredo klmv68.com

AM radio

Frequency Callsign Brand City of License Website
530 WPMQ285 TxDOT HAR Laredo -
790 XEFE La Mera Ley Nuevo Laredo -
890 KVOZ Radio Cristiana Laredo lanuevaradiocristiana.com
960 XEK La Grande Nuevo Laredo xek.com
1000 XENLT Radio Formula Nuevo Laredo radioformula.com
1090 XEWL W-Radio Nuevo Laredo wradio.com.mx
1300 KLAR Radio Poder Laredo feypoder.com
1340 XEBK exa FM Nuevo Laredo exafm.com.mx
1370 XEGNK Radio Mexicana Nuevo Laredo gruposiete.com
1410 XEAS Ke Buena Nuevo Laredo kebuena.com
1490 KLNT Radio Norteño Laredo -
1550 XENU La Rancherita Nuevo Laredo -
1610 WPMQ285 TxDOT HAR Laredo -

FM radio

Frequency Callsign Brand Format City of License Website
88.1 KHOY Catholic Radio Religious Laredo khoy.org
88.9 XHLDO Radio Tamaulipas Public Radio Nuevo Laredo tamaulipas.gob
89.9 KBNL Radio Manatial Public Radio Laredo wrn.org
91.3 XHNOE Stereo 91.3 FM Spanish Contemporary Nuevo Laredo xhnoe.com
92.7 KJBZ Z93 Tejano Laredo Z93.com
94.1 XHTLN Imagen / RMX Laredo Talk / Contemporary Nuevo Laredo rmx.com.mx
94.9 KQUR The Works AC Top 40 Laredo jammin949.com
95.7 XHBK Exa FM Spanish Contemporary Nuevo Laredo -
96.5 NEW Tu Radio Norteño Nuevo Laredo -
97.1 XHNLO Multimedios Radio Spanish Contemporary Nuevo Laredo multimedios.com
98.1 KRRG Big Buck Country Country Laredo krrg.com
99.3 XHNK Digital Ecstasy Classic Hits Nuevo Laredo stjohnradio.com
100.5 KBDR La Ley Tejano Laredo
101.5 XHAS Ke Buena Norteño Nuevo Laredo kebuena.com
102.3 XHMW Stereo Vida Spanish Pop Nuevo Laredo -
104.5 NEW La Mas Pesada Norteño Nuevo Laredo lamaspesada.fm
104.9 XHNLR Radio UAT University Radio Nuevo Laredo radiouni.uat.mx
106.1 KNEX Hot 106.1 Urban / Rhythmic Top 40 Laredo hot1061.com
106.5 NEW La Tremenda Norteño Nuevo Laredo tremenda.com.mx
107.3 XHGTS Digital 107.3 Spanish Pop Nuevo Laredo -
162.55 WXK26 NOAA Weather Radio Weather Laredo -

References

  1. ^ U.S. Census Factfinder 2006 Population estimate for Laredo, Texas
  2. ^ Laredo Development Foundation - Location and Population
  3. ^ Laredo Origin
  4. ^ Laredo OriginTemplate:Es
  5. ^ U.S. Census Bureau Estimate for the Laredo, Texas Area in 2005
  6. ^ U.S. Census Bureau Estimate for the Laredo, Texas Metropolitan Area in 2006
  7. ^ LISD Home Page
  8. ^ UISD Home Page
  9. ^ San Augustin High School Private Catholic School
  10. ^ Laredo Community College Home Page
  11. ^ Texas A&M International University Home Page
  12. ^ University of Texas Health Science Center Laredo Campus Home Page
  13. ^ Laredo Morning Times "National report lists Laredo as largest inland port"
  14. ^ Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas "Southwest Economy "
  15. ^ Shopping Demographics in the Laredo Area
  16. ^ LareDOS Article "Streets of Laredo Urban Mall
  17. ^ Laredo Town Center Plans
  18. ^ Piazza del Sol Plans
  19. ^ Laredo Factory Outlet Center Planned
  20. ^ Laredo Labor Market, South Texas Workforce Commission
  21. ^ Washington's Birthday Celebration Association Home Page
  22. ^ Texas Parks and Wildlife, Lake Casa Blanca International State Park
  23. ^ Laredo Country Club Website
  24. ^ Casa Blanca Golf Course Website
  25. ^ Golf Link; Laredo Country Club golf course information
  26. ^ Golf Link; Casa Blanca Golf Course Informantion
  27. ^ World Golf; Club Campestre Riviera del Bravo Informantion
  28. ^ Parks & Recreation Department
  29. ^ Republic of the Rio Grande Museum Home Page
  30. ^ Laredo Center for the Arts Home Page
  31. ^ Imaginarium of South Texas Home Page
  32. ^ Second Imaginarium Museum on TAMIU Campus
  33. ^ The Lamar Bruni Vergara Science Center Planetarium Home Page
  34. ^ Laredo Public LIbrary Homepage
  35. ^ Laredo Public Library Bruni Branch
  36. ^ Laredo Public LIbrary Santo Niño Branch
  37. ^ Emporis; Laredo Buildings
  38. ^ Laredo Medical Center Homepage
  39. ^ Ambulatory Care Center North
  40. ^ McClelland Diagnostic Center
  41. ^ Laredo Medical Sleep Center
  42. ^ Doctor's Hospital Of Laredo Homepage
  43. ^ Providence Surgical & Medical Center
  44. ^ Gateway Community Health Center
  45. ^ Laredo Specialty Hospital
  46. ^ Laredo Morning Times article; New Stadium Approved
  47. ^ Laredo Morning Times article; Laredoans of the Year; LMT names sports leaders Shashi and Priya Vaswani (renovation of the TAMIU Soccer Complex)
  48. ^ visitlaredo.com Laredo International Sister Cities Festival
  49. ^ Visit Laredo sister cities (twin cities)
  50. ^ City of Laredo; list of sister cities
  51. ^ Laredo International Sister Cities

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Laredo, Texas.
Look up Laredo in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
Wikisource has the text of the 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica article "Laredo".

27°31′28″N 99°29′26″W / 27.524445°N 99.490593°W / 27.524445; -99.490593

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