Historical Marker

Radcliffe Killam

Historical marker location:
Laredo, Texas
( in the front of the Radcliffe Killam Library)
Marker installed: 2011
Marker size: 27" x 42"

RADCLIFFE KILLAM

OLIVER WINFIELD “O.W.” KILLAM AND HARRIET SMITH KILLAM, THE PARENTS OF RADCLIFFE KILLAM, WERE BORN AND EDUCATED IN MISSOURI, AND MOVED TO LAREDO IN 1920. WITH THEM TRAVELED THEIR SON, RADCLIFFE KILLAM, BORN IN GROVE, OKLAHOMA ON JULY 1, 1910. O.W. CAME TO SOUTH TEXAS TO PROSPECT FOR HYDROCARBONS ON MINERAL LEASES ACQUIRED WHILE HE WAS AN OKLAHOMA STATE SENATOR. RADCLIFFE KILLAM GRADUATED FROM LAREDO HIGH SCHOOL IN 1928, FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS IN 1932, AND FROM HARVARD LAW SCHOOL IN 1935. AFTER COMPLETING HIS EDUCATION, RADCLIFFE RETURNED TO WORK WITH HIS FATHER IN THE OIL FIELDS. IN 1942, HE ENTERED THE U.S. NAVAL SERVICE. HE FIRST SERVED IN THE ATLANTIC THEATER AND THEN AS COMMANDER OF A PT BOAT BASE NEAR PAPUA NEW GUINEA. HE LEFT THE NAVY IN 1945 AND RETURNED TO LAREDO.

RADCLIFFE CONTINUED TO WORK WITH HIS FATHER AND SUCCESSFULLY PROSPECT AND DRILL FOR OIL AND NATURAL GAS BY DRILLING WILDCAT AND DEVELOPMENT WELLS THROUGHOUT SOUTH TEXAS. AFTER O.W.’S DEATH IN 1959, RADCLIFFE ASSUMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FAMILY BUSINESS. UNDER HIS SUPERVISION, THE BUSINESS GREW AND DIVERSIFIED INTO CATTLE RANCHING, REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT, AND FINANCIAL INVESTMENTS. HE SERVED AS DIRECTOR OF SEVERAL TRADE ORGANIZATIONS, DIRECTOR OF THE LAREDO NATIONAL BANK AND THE ALAMO NATIONAL BANK BASED IN SAN ANTONIO, AND WAS HONORED WITH NUMEROUS AWARDS. RADCLIFFE WAS A DRIVING FORCE BEHIND TEXAS A&M INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY (TAMIU) AS A FOUR-YEAR INSTITUTION IN LAREDO AND DONATED LAND AND FUNDS IN THE EARLY 1990s. RADCLIFFE KILLAM’S DEDICATION TO EDUCATION, THE COMMUNITY, AND THE OIL INDUSTRY LED TO THE GROWTH OF THE AREA AND BENEFITED MANY IN THE COMMUNITY AND THE STATE OF TEXAS.

175 YEARS OF TEXAS INDEPENDENCE * 1836-2011

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.

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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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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.