Raymond and Tirza Martin High School
In the 1930s, Laredo’s growing scholastic population dictated the need for a new high school, as students outgrew the campus built on Zaragoza Street twenty years before. Superintendent William Patrick Galligan oversaw construction of a new high school at this site on land previously donated as a public park by Laredo mayor and Webb county judge Samuel M. Jarvis.
Funding for the $353,000 school came through a bond election and partnership with the Public Works Administration, a federal agency. The school board named the facility for Raymond Martin, a french immigrant who settled in Laredo in the 1850s and prospered as a landowner, businessman and political leader, and his wife, Tirza (Garcia), member of a prominent local family. The couple had ten children, and at the time of the school’s construction, son Albert was mayor of Laredo and son Joe was school board president.
Designed by architects Giesecke and Harris of Austin, with associate architects Trout & Leyendecker of Laredo, the building exhibits classical revival and art deco styling. Architectural features of the massive l-shaped floor plan include local face brick and cast stone trim and details. Interior space provided for classrooms administrative offices, a cafeteria, a combination 1000-seat maple floor gymnasium and auditorium, and capacity for 1600 students.
Construction began in August 1935, and the school opened in March 1937. This was Laredo’s only high school campus until Nixon High opened in 1964. Over the years, graduates of Martin High School have distinguished themselves as scholars, professionals, athletes, artists, civic leaders and valued citizens
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 state of Texas was once an independent country known as the Republic of Texas. It gained independence from Mexico in 1836 and was a separate nation until it was 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 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.