Historical Marker

Calvary Catholic Cemetery

Historical marker location:
3600 McPherson Ave, Laredo, Texas
( 3600 McPherson Avenue)
Marker installed: 2005
Marker size: HTC Medallion and 16" x 24" interpretive plaque

Laredo experienced substantial growth in the late 1800s and soon the city needed a new cemetery. The process of creating Laredo’s fourth camposanto, however, was not an easy one. Efforts to build the cemetery date to the 1880s, but political considerations, economic transactions and complaints from residents delayed its use until the turn of the 20th century.

Special sections in the cemetery include Babyland (for infants), and plots for burials of priests, Marist brothers and four orders of nuns who served Laredo (Ursulines, Divine Providence, Sisters of Mercy and Sisters of the Sacred Heart). Sections named Resurrection Garden, Pavilion Garden and Waterfall Garden serve as the final resting place for many laity. Soldiers, including Civil War veterans, are also interred here. Santos and Refugio Benavides, brothers who gained fame in the Civil War, and Bishop Pedro (Peter) Verdaguer of the Vicariate of Brownsville, 1896-1909, are among the notable individuals buried in the cemetery. With several additions since the first burial in 1901, including a mausoleum in 1960 and a columbarium in 2004, the cemetery continues to be a reminder of Laredo’s rich heritage.

Historic Texas Cemetery – 2005

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

gravesites Roman Catholic denomination
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The state flower of Texas is the bluebonnet. The flower blooms in the spring and is a common sight along the highways and in fields throughout the state.
Texas random facts
Webb County, located in southern Texas along the Mexico border, has a rich and vibrant history dating back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by various Indigenous groups, including the Coahuiltecan and Cabeza de Vaca tribes. In 1705, the Spanish government established what is now known as the city of Laredo, making it one of the oldest European settlements in present-day Texas.

During the 19th century, Webb County played a crucial role in the struggle for Mexican independence and the subsequent development of the Texas Republic. In 1836, during the Texas Revolution, Mexican troops led by General José de Urrea were defeated by the Texian forces at the Battle of San Patricio, which took place near present-day San Patricio, a community within Webb County.

Following the Texas Revolution, Laredo became an important trading center, connecting the United States and Mexico. The city's location along the Rio Grande made it a key point for trade and transportation, leading to its rapid growth. In 1848, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the Mexican-American War, and Laredo became part of the United States.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries brought significant changes to Webb County. The arrival of the railroad in the 1880s further stimulated economic growth, as it provided an efficient means of importing goods and exporting local agricultural products. This led to the expansion of ranching and agriculture industries in the region. Additionally, the discovery of oil and gas reserves in the early 20th century brought further prosperity and development to the county.

Today, Webb County continues to thrive as a bustling border city and a hub of trade between the United States and Mexico. With a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant economy, the county serves as an important intersection of history, commerce, and diversity in Texas.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Webb County, Texas.

  • 1848 - Webb County is established as a county in the state of Texas.
  • 1849 - The first permanent settlers arrive in what is now known as Laredo, the county seat of Webb County.
  • 1852 - The county's first courthouse is built in Laredo.
  • 1860 - The population of Webb County reaches over 4,000 residents.
  • 1881 - The Texas-Mexican Railway reaches Laredo, leading to increased trade and development in the county.
  • 1906 - A new courthouse is built in Laredo to replace the previous one.
  • 1944 - The Laredo Air Force Base is established, contributing to the county's economy and providing employment opportunities.
  • 1977 - The Rio Grande Industrial Park is opened, promoting industrial development in Webb County.
  • 2010 - Webb County's population exceeds 250,000 residents.