El Barrio Azteca
Historical marker location:One of the earliest residential neighborhoods in Laredo, this area was first divided into lots in the 1870s and 1880s. Residents worshiped at San Augustin Catholic Church and "La Iglesia Presbiteriana Sinai," which was established in 1895.
The Mexican revolution that began about 1910 induced many Mexicans to emigrate to the United States. By 1911 "La Escuela Amarilla" (the Yellow School) and the water well in "La Plaza De la Noria" were the center of the self-sufficient community. A theatre, the "Teatro Nacional," opened in 1922. The Laredo Coffee Company and a bottling works were in operation by 1925. The "Teatro Nacional" was renamed "El Azteca" in the 1930s. The neighborhood soon adopted the theater's name. The Iturbide Theater opened in 1935, calling itself the "Home of Spanish Vaudeville."
At various times El Azteca has boasted bakeries, tortilla factories, food stores, funeral homes, blacksmiths, barber shops, doctors' offices, a boarding house, a boys' orphanage and a private men's school. Area structures have been flat roofed stucco sandstone structures, stylish Victorian cottages, shotgun houses, board-and-batten box houses and brick storefronts.
The Juarez-Lincoln Bridge, also known as International Bridge Number Two, was constructed in 1976. Thirteen city blocks of historic housing were destroyed to build the bridge. The U. S. border station was completed in 1982. Azteca Economic Development and Preservation Corporation was founded in 1982 to foster neighborhood revitalization and encourage preservation-based economic development. El Barrio Azteca remains a thriving district. (1999)
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.
Texas is known for its love of football, and the state has produced many great football players, including legends like Tom Landry, Earl Campbell, and Vince Young.
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.
Webb County Timeline
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.