Laredo Texas Walking Tour
Description
This tour is a work in progress- more entries added soon!
Designed by noted Texas architect Alfred Giles, the Webb County Courthouse was built in 1909 and continues to house county government departments. Its importance lies in its architecture and the political role it has played in the community. In terms of design, the courthouse features arcades (covered spaces formed by arches) on the first and second floors, four "pavilions" on the four corners with mansard roofs, dormer windows, and balconies. The courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is nearby several other government buildings.
Now an elderly housing residence, the former Hamilton Hotel is historically significant for its striking Spanish Renaissance Revival architecture. Reaching a height of 150 feet, the 13-story building is one of the tallest structures in Laredo. It features arches on the first floor, colorful tile mosaics (some of which depict flora and fauna), two towers on the roof that have small octagonal towers, and, also on the roof, a stuccoed wall parapet. The old hotel is composed two parts: the shorter, northern portion was built in 1923 and the taller portion was built in 1928. It is located in the heart of downtown Laredo and across the street from Jarvis Park and the historic U.S. Post Office, Court House and Custom House.
Erected in 1907, the historic United States Post Office, Courthouse and Custom House building remains an important landmark in Laredo. It is significant for its architecture and association with the federal government, which continues to use the building as a post office. An office of the U.S. Marshal Service is also housed in the building. In terms of design, the building is a fine example of Classical Revival architecture. The south facade features a grand main entrance with a ground-level arcade formed by arches, a large portico supported by Doric columns, and small balconets on some of the second floor windows. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 18, 2001.
San Agustín Cathedral is a historic church built in 1872 that serves as the seat of the Catholic Diocese of Laredo. The cathedral overlooks San Agustín Plaza, which is located across the street, and is a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture. Its most prominent feature is the clock and bell tower, which reaches a height of 141 feet. Other notable features include its white plaster facade (the interior is plastered as well) and Gothic stained glass windows. The cathedral is a contributing property of the San Agustin de Laredo Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Republic of the Rio Grande Museum is one of the historic structures in to the San Augustin de Laredo Historic District in Laredo, Texas. It has been restored and its displays and furnishings recreate a home from the 1830s. It is owned and operated by the Webb County Heritage Foundation. The district, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, includes the San Agustín Cathedral and La Posada Hotel and other buildings. The district marks the original location of Laredo founded by Don Tomás Sanchez de la Barrera y Gallardo in 1755. From 1839-1840, Laredo was the capital for The Republic of the Rio Grande, which attempted to separate itself from the Mexican government. The museum is thought to have been the capitol for the republic.