2025S0054-1 01/30/25
By: Zaffirini S.R. No. 33
SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
recognize residents of Laredo as they gather at the State Capitol
to celebrate Laredo Day on February 4, 2025; and
WHEREAS, San Agustin de Laredo was founded in 1755 as an
outpost for the Spanish Empire; the city became part of Mexico
after gaining independence from Spain in 1821, and nearly two
decades later, it was named capital of the Republic of the Rio
Grande; in 1846, Laredo officially became part of Texas and was
subsequently chosen as the Webb County seat; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception, Laredo has served as an
important crossing point 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 the
development of the Zona Libre, or free trade zone, along the
border between the United States and Mexico; the city's economy
was bolstered by coal mining, onion farming, and the discovery of
oil and gas fields; and
WHEREAS, This bustling gateway city is the largest inland
port along the United States-Mexico border and one of the top
United States Customs districts in the nation; its citizens
benefit from the retail, health services, and hospitality
industries, and as the home of Texas A&M International
University, two campuses of Laredo College, and The University of
Texas Education and Research Center at Laredo, its emphasis on
higher education is evident; and
WHEREAS, Visitors and residents enjoy such area
attractions as the historic San Agustin Cathedral, the Republic
of the Rio Grande Museum, the Laredo Center for the Arts, and
citywide events like Washington's Birthday Celebration; 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 Senate of the State of Texas, 89th
Legislature, hereby commend the citizens of Laredo and extend a
warm welcome to the visiting delegation; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in
honor of this special occasion.