El Paso de Jacinto
Historical marker location:Throughout history, travelers sought natural fords that allowed safe passage across rivers and streams. Around 1746, Jacinto de Leon discovered such a crossing in this vicinity; it was probably used for centuries before that by indigenous cultures. The ford came to be known as Paso de Jacinto, and around it grew the Laredo community, which began as a ranch established by Tomas Tadeo Sanchez de la Barrera.
In 1754, colonizer Jose de Escandon asked Sanchez to find a place for a settlement along the Nueces River. Sanchez failed to identify a suitable location on the Nueces, though, and instead settled in May 1755 along the Rio Grande downstream of Paso de Jacinto. Two years later, Agustin Lopez de la Camara Alta reported that the settlement at the crossing was important in sustaining what had become a major business and military route across the Rio Grande. He also stated that the settlers’ pursuits mainly involved breeding cattle and gathering salt from regional salt lakes. Most of the residents’ more than 10,000 animals recorded in a census that year were smaller livestock, such as sheep and goats.
By the turn of the 19th century, maps indicated the crossing as “Paso de los Indios,” and 100 years later, the “Old Indian Crossing” was a well-known landmark near the northern edge of Fort McIntosh. A nearby ranch known as Rancho Paso de los Indios also indicates the significance of the crossing in the history of Laredo, which today features many reminders of the impact of and need for routes across the river.
(2006)
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.
The cattle industry played a significant role in the development of Texas, with cowboys driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
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.