During the Mexican-American War the city of Laredo was occupied by the Texas Rangers for a time. The people of the town wanted Laredo to be handed back to Mexico, however this was not allowed and the majority of the population moved across the border into northern Mexico, forming the town of Nuevo Laredo. Laredo still forms an important juncture with Mexico. It is one of the oldest border-crossing points and the nation's busiest inland port.
Those visiting Laredo will definitely find a lot to see and do here, especially lovers of history. History is in the very air you breathe here in the city of Laredo. If you are interested in experiencing some of its unique past you might check out the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum, which stands as a testimony to this pivotal moment in Laredoan history.
History buffs can also take a Heritage Trolley Tour of Historic Laredo. This fun and informative tour of the most historic parts is great for people of all ages. Travel on a trolley that is as historical as the tour itself while learning fun and fascinating facts about the heritage of the city of Laredo.
Designed just for the kids is the Laredo Children's Museum. A bicultural museum, the facilities seek to provide fun and exciting opportunities for children of all ages and cultural backgrounds to come and experience the fun of learning. Science is king here at the Laredo Children's Museum. Your kids will never have thought that learning about science could be so fun! It is also great for birthday parties.
For more great science fun, check out the Lamar Bruni Vergara Science Center at Texas A & M International University. Being out in the southwest Texas desert, Laredo and the Laredo area is great for stargazing. Experience the fun and excitement here at the Lamar Bruni Vergara Science Center in the city of Laredo, one of Texas's premier planetariums!
The planetarium also shows a number of fun and exciting movies that are a great learning experience for adults as much as kids. Shows include topics as diverse as ancient Egypt, the reefs of Hawaii, the planet Saturn and violent weather such as tornadoes and hurricanes. Combine this with the remarkable sky shows and you'll want to come back to the Lamar Bruni Vergara Science Center again and again!
One of the most popular events for those visiting Laredo is the Washington's Birthday Celebration. Here you will find the birthday of our first President celebrated like you will find it nowhere else. Almost a month long with parades, a carnival, an air show, live concerts, fireworks and more, it's no doubt that over 400,000 people attend this event annually.
Even if you aren't visiting Laredo in time to see the Washington's Birthday Celebration, doesn't mean you still can't get some experience of it. The city of Laredo hosts the Washington's Birthday Celebration Museum, which marks the history of this event that dates back to the 19th century.