Los Ojuelos
Historical marker location:
For thousands of years, Los Ojuelos (The Springs) were a source of the precious south Texas commodity of water. Eugenio Gutiérrez received a Spanish land grant in 1810 that included the springs, but attempts to settle here by Eugenio and his son, Isidro, were blocked by conflicts with Comanches. In 1850, a Texas Ranger outpost was set up under the leadership of John Salmon “Rip” Ford to regulate the trade road between Laredo and the port at Corpus Christi, and the Rangers’ presence enabled José María Guerra, a grandson of Eugenio Gutiérrez, to permanently settle at the site. During the 1860s, Guerra built several caliche structures, including a chapel and a small irrigation system, now among the best preserved Spanish-Mexican ranch architecture in the region. The springs drew travelers to the village from the 1870s until the 1940s. The indigenous peyote cactus, which had widespread ritualistic and medicinal use among American Indians, was the most lucrative crop for the settlers. In the 1920s, a Texas Ranger outpost near Los Ojuelos dealt with tequileros (liquor smugglers) crossing from Mexico. The discovery of oil greatly reduced the peyote trade due to overharvesting and clearing of peyote fields for drilling. Native Americans still purchase from licensed dealers every February peyote harvested from area ranches.
The springs dried up following the development of Mirando City and oil and gas drilling, and the site was virtually abandoned in the 1930s. Oil and gas drilling continues to be an important economic activity in the Los Ojuelos area
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 was once an independent country: After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas became its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. It existed as an independent nation for nine years before being annexed by the United States in 1845.
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.