Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
chetypal Western landscape, complete with mesas on the horizon. San Ygnacio, 30 miles
southeast of Laredo on US 83, was founded as a ranching outpost in 1830.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Laredo
POP 226,200
Even more than other Texas border towns, Laredo has always been tightly entwined with
its sister city to the south, the fittingly named Nuevo Laredo. So drug violence and tight
border controls have severely crimped a place where Mexico and the US seemed to blend
the most seamlessly, even just a decade ago.
While the border situation remains unsettled, Laredo makes for a good stop on any Rio
Grande itinerary. Its historic old downtown is evocative and has two good museums. And
in many ways, starting with its strong Hispanic culture, Laredo's like a trip south of the
border without the customs inspection.
Sights
Historic downtown Laredo occupies a compact area on the Rio Grande's north bank, at In-
ternational Bridges Nos 1 and 2. I-35 ends right at the border.
San Agustín Plaza
Parts of this plaza, right downtown and the oldest in town, date from 1767. The streets
surrounding it are cobblestoned and lined with ancient oaks where you can escape the sun.
For details about the historic buildings throughout downtown, pick up a copy of the bro-
chure
Heritage Walking Tour of Historic Laredo
at the CVB (
Click here
)
or at area hotels.
Nearby streets are interesting for the traditional shops catering to day-tripping Mexic-
ans. Step behind the La Posada Hotel for views of the fortified border area, the trickle of
the Rio Grande and the omnipresent huge Mexican flag.
HISTORIC SITE
San Agustín Church
(San Agustín Plaza; hours vary)
This is the third church that has stood on this site at the
plaza's east end. Vaguely Gothic-Revival, the church was erected in 1872 and has thick
whitewashed walls. The decoration inside and out is simple, and the church hops with
large, traditional weddings all weekend long.
CHURCH
