Point #45- Laredo...Truly on the Border

To obtain this point: One must visit the Republic of the Rio Grande Capitol Building Museum in Laredo and realize the strife that has been associated with this border town since its inception.

It seems that Laredo has always been on the border (of the map and as a group of people). When it was a Spanish colony, it was on the Northern border of the colony of Nuevo Santander. It was literally 'in the middle of nowhere' of the Spanish Empire.

As the revolutionary spirit flowed through Anglo Texas in the 19th century, Laredo seceded from Mexico in 1840 creating the Republic of the Rio Grande. Mexico squashed the rebellion and retook Laredo. During part of the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), it was retaken by the Americans and occupied by the Texas Rangers. After the war was over and the Rio Grande was established as the border, the folks in Laredo petitioned the American occupying military to be given back to Mexico...huh?

So let me get this right, the fine folks in Laredo seceded from Mexico in 1840 because they couldn't get along the Mexicans and then after 8 years of fighting, petitioned to get back into Mexico. I'm confused?

Anyways, the petition was refused, so many people just packed up their families and moved across the Rio Grande to form Nuevo Laredo (brilliant name!) The fighting did not stop at that time though. In the 1910s (during the Mexican Revolution), Nuevo Laredo was burned and many folks immigrated back over the border to Laredo. Unfortunately, the fighting continues today as violence from drug-related activities.

In addition to having a history of border disputes and violence, Laredo also relies on its border location as a place for trade. During the Civil War, it was a hotspot for cotton trade with Mexico. Today, a major part of the economy is international trade with Mexico.

For more information: http://www.webbheritage.org/riograndehistory.htm

Enjoy Texas...and did you know that the origin of the name 'Laredo' is unclear. Some think it comes from the word glaterum meaning 'sandy, rocky place'. Others believe if comes from a Basque word meaning 'beautiful pasture'. I personally would pick the Basque origin if I was deciding. Doesn't 'beautiful pasture' seem quite inviting for such a violent place?