Downtown Laredo facts for kids

San Agustin Cathedral

Map of Laredo in 1892, which is now Downtown Laredo

The Republic of the Rio Grande Capitol building

Downtown Laredo is a really important part of Laredo, Texas. It's like the city's second main business hub, where lots of important things happen. This area is where Interstate Highway 35 and State Highway 359 begin their journey. You'll find all of Laredo's tallest buildings here, along with the main government offices for both Laredo and Webb County. Many of Webb County's historic places are also located right in Downtown Laredo.

Where is Downtown Laredo?

Downtown Laredo is in the south-central part of Laredo, Texas. It's right where Interstate Highway 35 ends. Across the Rio Grande river, you'll find Downtown Nuevo Laredo in Mexico.

This area is bordered by I-35 to the east. The Rio Grande river forms its southern and western edges. Park Street is the northern border. This special area was the very first city of Laredo. It was started way back in 1755 by a person named Don Tomás Sanchez.

Cool Places to Visit in Downtown Laredo

Downtown Laredo has many interesting spots to explore. Here are some of them:

Learning and Education

• Laredo Community College Fort McIntosh campus: A place where students can go to college classes.

Money and Business

• Laredo National Bank headquarters: The main office for a big bank.
• International Bank of Commerce headquarters: Another main office for an important bank.

Historic Sites

Many places in Downtown Laredo are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are very important historical sites.

• Barrio Azteca Historic District: A historic neighborhood with a rich past.
• Fort Mcintosh: An old military fort.
• Hamilton Hotel: A historic hotel building.
• Laredo Federal Building: An important government building.
• Republic of the Rio Grande Museum: A museum that tells the story of a short-lived republic.
• San Agustin Cathedral: A beautiful and historic church.
• San Agustin Historical District: A historic area around the cathedral.
• Webb County Courthouse: The main building for Webb County's legal system.

Shopping and Fun

• El Portal Center mall: A place where you can go shopping.
• Streets of Laredo Urban Mall: Another area with shops and businesses.

Getting Around

• Gateway to the Americas International Bridge: A bridge connecting Laredo to Mexico.
• Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge: Another bridge that crosses the border.

Other Interesting Spots

• Rio Grande: The famous river that forms the border between the United States and Mexico.

Images for kids

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  Duty-free zone

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  Laredo National Bank HQ

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  Rio Grande Plaza Hotel

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  Webb County Courthouse

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  Former Plaza Theater in downtown Laredo