San Agustin de Laredo Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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San Agustin de Laredo Historic District
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San Agustin de Laredo Historic District was named after the San Agustin Cathedral
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 San Agustin de Laredo Historic District
Location in Texas
San Agustin de Laredo Historic District
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly bounded by Grant and Water Sts., Convent and San Bernardino Aves., Laredo, Texas |
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| Area | 23.9 acres (9.7 ha) |
| Built | 1872 |
| Architect | Santos Benavides, Don Jose Reyes Ortiz |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Mission/Spanish Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 73001983 |
| Added to NRHP | September 19, 1973 |
The San Agustin de Laredo Historic District is a special area in Laredo, Texas. It covers the very first part of the city, which was started by Don Tomás Sánchez. Today, you can find this historic district in Downtown Laredo.
This district is home to some important places. One is the San Agustin Cathedral, which the district is named after. Another is the building that used to be the Capitol for the Republic of the Rio Grande. Many of the streets here are made of bricks. The buildings often show Spanish and Mexican styles, built with strong stone or brick.
The San Agustin de Laredo Historic District is important because it's one of the last places that truly shows how the Spanish settled the Lower Rio Grande Valley. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. This means it's a very special place in American history. Its buildings show beautiful Mission, Spanish Revival, and Greek Revival styles.
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Exploring the San Agustin Historic District
This district is like a living museum. It helps us understand what Laredo was like long ago. You can see how people lived and built things in the past.
Buildings and Architecture
Many buildings in the district have a unique look. They mix Spanish and Mexican influences. This shows the rich history of the area. The buildings are often made from masonry, which means they use stone or brick.
Key Architectural Styles
- Mission Style: This style often includes simple, strong shapes. It might have curved gables and bell towers, like old Spanish missions.
- Spanish Revival: This style brings back elements from Spanish colonial buildings. Think of red tile roofs, stucco walls, and decorative ironwork.
- Greek Revival: This style uses ideas from ancient Greek temples. You might see tall columns, grand entrances, and simple, balanced designs.
Important Landmarks to See
The district has several famous spots. These places tell stories about Laredo's past.
San Agustin Cathedral
This beautiful church is the heart of the district. It's a very old and important building. The district itself is named after this cathedral.
Republic of the Rio Grande Capitol
This building was once the capitol of a short-lived republic. The Republic of the Rio Grande existed for a brief time. Today, this building is a museum. It teaches visitors about this unique part of history.
Gallery of San Agustin Historic District
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Typical Hacienda in the late 1700s in Laredo, now La Posada Hotel
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Typical home in the late 1700s, later the Republic of the Rio Grande Capitol building, now a museum
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The Laredo National Bank Headquarters is located on the eastern boundary of the historical district
