El Primer Congreso Mexicanista
In the late 19th and early 20th century, shifting racial hierarchies, large-scale property transfer, and agricultural industrialization led to an extended period of conflict between Texans of Mexican descent and those of Anglo origins. Economic problems and the Mexican Revolution in 1910 increased the immigrant population to Texas and subsequently increased tensions between the groups.
On September 14, 1911, the owners of Laredo newspaper La Crónica organized El Primer Congreso Mexicanista (The First Mexican Congress), which brought together Mexican Americans from across Texas and citizens of northern Mexico. This gathering, likely the largest Mexican American Civil Rights meeting to that time, addressed growing economic disparities, racial violence, labor exploitation, inadequate educational opportunities, women’s rights and social discrimination. Delegates frequently referred to the recent lynchings of Antonio Rodríguez in Rocksprings and Antonio Gómez in Thorndale as examples of the dire threats they faced.
With representatives from dozens of cities and towns, the congress met for more than a week, in conjunction with a statewide meeting of the International Grand Lodge of the Caballeros de Honor (Knights of Honor) and Laredo’s Diez y Seis Celebrations. The first officers elected were Jose P. Reyes of Brownsville, President; Nicasio Idar of Laredo, Vice President; and Lisandro Peña of Nuevo Laredo, Secretary. Meeting in the Order of the Red Men Hall and the City Market, delegates discussed strategies to address civil rights issues. Through later court cases and legislation, the delegates and their constituents made short-term progress and long-term impact on the rights of Hispanic Texans and the relationships among all the citizens of the state
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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.