Historical Marker

San Bernardo Avenue

Historical marker location:
2400 San Bernardo Ave, Laredo, Texas
( 2400 San Bernardo Ave.)
Marker installed: 2006
Marker size: 27" x 42"

San Bernardo Avenue, which began as a commercial road in Laredo, became known as the San Antonio Highway by 1938, replacing the earlier route along Santa Maria Avenue. Due to the anticipated increase in tourism, San Bernardo Avenue property started to be developed even earlier for travel-related businesses, including motor courts and filling stations. The city marketed itself as a gateway to Mexico, and San Bernardo Avenue soon provided the most accessible route.

Other tourism-related businesses also grew in correlation with the strip's increasing importance. Many entrepreneurs opened motels, restaurants and other businesses along the strip to serve visitors. These modern structures along the path often featured architectural detailing representing earlier Western and Spanish themes, which sometimes differed considerably from other building designs within Laredo. The exaggerated designs catered to out of town visitors and their concepts of the region. Advertising along the highway also reflected these themes.

The new businesses and emphasis on tourist attractions were vital for Laredo's early commercial growth and development, helping to expand the city's economy. Today, the San Bernardo commercial strip is still a vibrant part of the city as Laredo continues to be a popular tourist destination. Its architecture evokes an era of early auto tourism, an integral part of the area's history in the twentieth century. (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.

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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 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.