Laredo is a city on the Mexican border in southern Texas. The Republic of the Rio Grande had a short lived history as an independent nation. Next to the Los Dos Laredo’s Park is a bridge that crosses into Mexico. Actually there are two bridges, One is for pedestrians to walk across the border and the other is for vehicle traffic. There is a huge outlet mall right on the Rio Grande River at the foot of the bridges and many Mexicans cross daily to shop here.
The old town is right there as well. There is a lot of history and displays of local culture to see.
This is part of the town where the municipal offices were and some still are. The fountain was beautiful. The brick sidewalk and stonework around the fountain are a testimony to the craftsmanship many years ago.
The central town square is surrounded with the brickwork as well and had many statues honoring the men that played a part in the history.
A General in St Agustin Plaza
San Agustin Cathedral. The present church dates 1872 and is the seat of the Catholic Diocese of Laredo, Texas.
This is The historic La Posada Hotel. The little building next to the hotel is The Republic of the Rio Grande Museum. It is one of Laredo’s oldest structures on San Agustin Plaza in downtown Laredo. It was constructed in 1830. It was once the home of a rancher Bartolomeo Garcia who was also the mayor. According to tradition in 1840 the structure served as the capitol of the Republic of the Rio Grande. It generally fly’s the seven flags of the countries that ruled over this area. The triangle formed by the cathedral, the museum and the hotel formed the most visited historic landmarks in the city.
Spain, France, Mexico, the United States, the Confederate States, the independent Republic of Texas, and the Republic of the Rio Grande are the seven flags that claimed Laredo.
There were plenty of beautiful old buildings in the area.
Check out the bird, a chicken, on the porch!
City Hall
Other areas are works in progress
The Plaza Theatre is a gem in the rough.
Turning fifteen is a very important event for young Mexican girls. The dresses were unbelievable. The shop amazing.
This was the park we stayed at here.
Green Grass, Hoot Hoot!
Our spot from the hill above. The lake in the background is formed by an impoundment of Chacon Creek, a tributary of the Rio Grande. Boating, fishing and birding are popular activities in the park.
This very old building was on the property, but the signage didn’t really identify what it was.
Another view from high in the park across the lake.
As we left!
Laredo was beautiful and developing. It was bigger than we imagined and really growing economically. It was more modern as well. The Department of Homeland Security offices are located here. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services are in the city as well.
God Bless America
The bandleader Lawerence Welks vaniety plate in California said,
A1ANA2.....
On to Del Rio, Texas
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