Here in Laredo, we love our pets! Our city rests in Webb County, Texas, along the north bank of the Rio Grande. Laredo, which sits on the western portion of the Rio Grande Plains, consists of hills, flat land, and flat plains. Nearby cities include Mexican cities like Nuevo Laredo, Monclova, Reynosa, and Monterrey. San Antonio and Brownsville are 154 and 170 miles away respectively. The semiarid climate leads to hot summers and mild winters.
Several fun activities and destinations are available in Laredo. They include the Imaginarium of South Texas, Nuevo Santander Museum Complex, and Lamar Bruni Vergara Science Center Planetarium are all great choices for fun outings.
Laredo is urban, especially because it offers passage between Mexico and the United States. The city’s largest festival is Washington’s Birthday Celebration held through January and February. Popular events include Jalapeno Festival, Stockmen’s Ball, Princess Pocahontas Pageant, Border Beer Fest, and Mr. South Texas Luncheon. You should also check out Jamboozie, which is held each January downtown. The festival is similar to Mardi Gras.
The economy of Laredo is largely based on the city’s inland port, which is the largest in the country. Major industries in the city include trade and transportation, financial activity, professional services, education, health services, hospitality, and government. Texas A&M International University and Laredo College are both in Laredo. The Laredo International Airport is also situated in the city. Other local institutions include Falcon International Bank, International Bank of Commerce, Texas Community Bank, and BBVA Compass.
The history of Laredo is complex, as it has had seven flags flying over it. They include the Six Flags of Texas in addition to the Flag of the Republic of the Rio Grande. The first European settlement was founded in 1755 as Villa de San Agustin de Laredo by Don Tomas Sanchez Barrera.
Notable people have lived in Laredo over the years. They include Texas Secretary of State Henry R. Cuellar, actor Tony Dalton, basketball player Megan Frazee, mayor Betty Flores, actor Peggy Webber, and engineer Oscar J. Zuniga.
Laredo is home to about 257,000 people, which shows an increase from the 2010 census with 236,000 people. Laredo has seen continued growth over the years, and it is no wonder why the city is such an amazing destination for people and their pets. Growth is slated to continue in the coming years, though it may slow down. Still, Laredo is a great place to raise a family, pets included.