Laredo

Laredo

General Information
Name	Laredo
Native Name
Other Names
Settlement Type	City
Transliteration
Language 1
Type 1
Info 1
Location
Coordinates	27°31 37°N
Map
Population
Total	255,205
Density	auto per km²
Area
Total	233.8 km²
Land	230.5 km²
Water	3.3 km²
Government
Type
Leader
Time Zone
Standard	UTC-6
DST	UTC-5

Laredo is a city located in Webb County, Texas, United States. It is situated on the north bank of the Rio Grande in South Texas, across from Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Laredo is known for its rich history and cultural significance as a border city.

History

Laredo was founded in 1755 by Tomás Sánchez de la Barrera y Garza, and it was originally part of the Nuevo Santander region in the Spanish Empire. The city played a significant role during the Mexican-American War and later became part of the United States following the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848.

Economy

Laredo's economy is primarily based on international trade with Mexico. The city is home to one of the largest inland ports in the United States, facilitating the movement of goods between the two countries. The Laredo International Airport and several major highways, including Interstate 35, contribute to its status as a major logistics hub.

Culture

Laredo has a vibrant cultural scene, with influences from both American and Mexican traditions. The city hosts the annual Washington's Birthday Celebration, which is one of the largest festivals of its kind in the United States. The Republic of the Rio Grande Museum and the San Agustin Cathedral are notable cultural landmarks.

Education

Laredo is served by several school districts, including the Laredo Independent School District and the United Independent School District. Higher education institutions include Texas A&M International University and Laredo College.

Healthcare

Laredo has a number of healthcare facilities, including the Laredo Medical Center and the Doctors Hospital of Laredo. These institutions provide a range of medical services to the community.

Transportation

Laredo is a key transportation hub due to its strategic location on the U.S.-Mexico border. The city is served by the Laredo International Airport, and it is a major point of entry for commercial and passenger vehicles crossing the border.

See also

• List of cities in Texas
• History of Texas
• Mexican-American War

External links

• Official website of Laredo