85R5867 KSM-D
By: Raymond H.R. No. 46
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Proud residents of Laredo are gathering in Austin to
celebrate Laredo Day at the State Capitol on January 25, 2017; and
WHEREAS, Originally known as San Agustin de Laredo, the city
was founded in 1755 as an outpost of the Spanish empire; it later
belonged to Mexico, after that country gained independence from
Spain in 1821, and nearly two decades later it was named the capital
of the short-lived Republic of the Rio Grande; Laredo became part of
Texas in 1846 and was subsequently chosen as the seat of Webb
County; and
WHEREAS, From its earliest days, Laredo was an important
crossing on the Rio Grande and a trading center for livestock,
hides, and wool; its role in international trade expanded with the
arrival of the railroad in 1881 and with the development of the Zona
Libre, or free trade zone, along the border between the United
States and Mexico; its economy was further helped by coal mining,
the introduction of onion farming, and the discovery of rich oil and
gas fields; and
WHEREAS, Today, this bustling gateway city is the largest
inland port along the U.S.-Mexico border and one of the top U.S.
Customs districts in the nation, and its diverse economy benefits
from the retail, hospitality, import and export, and petroleum
industries; the city handles more than a third of all trade between
the United States and Mexico; Laredo is also a focus for higher
education in the Rio Grande Valley, as the home to Texas A&M
International University, two campuses of Laredo Community
College, and a regional campus of The University of Texas Health
Science Center; and
WHEREAS, Visitors and residents alike may explore such area
attractions as the historic San Agustin Cathedral, the Republic of
the Rio Grande Museum, and the Laredo Center for the Arts, while 40
blocks of import vendors along San Bernardo Avenue draw shoppers
from near and far; in addition, Laredo is home to Washington's
Birthday Celebration, a 120-year-old, monthlong event that
includes a carnival, a colonial pageant, a jalapeño festival, and a
parade; and
WHEREAS, Boasting a rich heritage and a vibrant international
culture, the people of Laredo may indeed take great pride in the
role their community continues to play in the story of the Lone Star
State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize January 25, 2017, as Laredo Day at the
State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation sincere best
wishes for an enjoyable and informative visit to Austin.