Website

Video

The Republic of the Rio Grande Museum is one of the historic structures in to the San Augustin de Laredo Historic District in Laredo, Texas. It has been restored and its displays and furnishings recreate a home from the 1830s. It is owned and operated by the Webb County Heritage Foundation. The district, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, includes the San Agustín Cathedral and La Posada Hotel and other buildings. The district marks the original location of Laredo founded by Don Tomás Sanchez de la Barrera y Gallardo in 1755. From 1839-1840, Laredo was the capital for The Republic of the Rio Grande, which attempted to separate itself from the Mexican government. The museum is thought to have been the capitol for the republic.

Republic of the Rio Grande Museum

This tour is a work in progress- more entries added soon!

Alfred Giles was born in London, England in 1853. As a young man, he studied architecture then immigrated to the United States. He chose to settle in Texas for its hot, dry climate, which he thought would be beneficial for his health. Giles also learned how to successfully use the stone and other materials found in the area. In the coming years, Giles' reputation grew in the region and he was awarded commissions for projects around the state. For the courthouse, Giles was tasked with creating a practical yet impressive building that would give the community a sense of stability and growth for the future. The building achieved this goal as it became the main economic, social, and political focal point in Laredo. A new courthouse was built in the 1980s but the 1909 courthouse still serves the community and remains an important landmark in the city.

Designed by noted Texas architect Alfred Giles, the Webb County Courthouse was built in 1909 and continues to house county government departments. Its importance lies in its architecture and the political role it has played in the community. In terms of design, the courthouse features arcades (covered spaces formed by arches) on the first and second floors, four "pavilions" on the four corners with mansard roofs, dormer windows, and balconies. The courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is nearby several other government buildings.

Webb County Courthouse

When the hotel was built, Laredo was thriving economically (as was the rest of the country during the 1920s) as it had grown to become an important trading center between the U.S. and Mexico. It was in this context that the first part of the hotel was built in 1923. However, demand for hotel rooms kept rising, which prompted the construction of the 13-story building in 1928. This was designed by notable father/son architects Robert and Atlee Ayers, who were the state's most prominent architects in the 1900s. Together, they designed several notable buildings throughout the state, some of which are also on the National Register of Historic Places. It is unclear how long Hamilton Hotel operated but it was converted into an elderly housing residence in 2000.

Now an elderly housing residence, the former Hamilton Hotel is historically significant for its striking Spanish Renaissance Revival architecture. Reaching a height of 150 feet, the 13-story building is one of the tallest structures in Laredo. It features arches on the first floor, colorful tile mosaics (some of which depict flora and fauna), two towers on the roof that have small octagonal towers, and, also on the roof, a stuccoed wall parapet. The old hotel is composed two parts: the shorter, northern portion was built in 1923 and the taller portion was built in 1928. It is located in the heart of downtown Laredo and across the street from Jarvis Park and the historic U.S. Post Office, Court House and Custom House.

Hamilton Hotel

The United States Post Office, Court House and Custom House was the second such building constructed in Laredo. Where the first one was located is unknown but mail service began in 1849, a year after the city officially became part of the U.S. when Mexico and the U.S. signed the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo. In the coming years, Laredo, given its proximity to Mexico, became an important economic center and as a result, its importance increased as did the calls for additional government services. The Office of the Supervising Architect for the Treasury, which was led by James Knox Taylor, designed the the building (along with many other federal buildings around the country between 1897-1912). Construction began in early 1906 and was completed the next year. The new building brought relief to postal employees who worked in the first post office, which was, apparently, hot and a poorly lit. The new facility was a success, as mail volume and revenues increased, which reflected the city's growing status. The customs house moved to another location in 1962. Court functions, it appears, remained at least until the early 2000s.

Erected in 1907, the historic United States Post Office, Courthouse and Custom House building remains an important landmark in Laredo. It is significant for its architecture and association with the federal government, which continues to use the building as a post office. An office of the U.S. Marshal Service is also housed in the building. In terms of design, the building is a fine example of Classical Revival architecture. The south facade features a grand main entrance with a ground-level arcade formed by arches, a large portico supported by Doric columns, and small balconets on some of the second floor windows. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 18, 2001. 

United States Post Office, Courthouse and Custom House

The cathedral is the third Catholic church at this location. The first one, a small chapel, was built around 1760, a few years after a group of Spanish settlers requested that a Catholic priest be sent to Laredo. Previously, a Franciscan priest who lived 50 miles away would have to come periodically to serve the settlers. The chapel was used until 1778 when a stone church was built; by then the Catholic community had grown to over 200 families.Construction of the current church began in 1866 and was completed in 1872. It was designed by French priest Pierre Yves Keralum, who became an architect before joining the priesthood (he designed a number of other churches in the region as well, including Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Brownsville). The diocese transferred management of the cathedral to the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in 1922. They expanded and renovated the church in 1946 and built a new convent in 1960. The diocese resumed control of the cathedral in 1985 and proceeded to renovate it beginning in 1989. The work was completed in 1994. When Pope John Paul II established the Diocese of Laredo, San Agustín was designated a Cathedral and Mother Church of the diocese. The most recent renovation project began in 2018.

San Agustín Cathedral is a historic church built in 1872 that serves as the seat of the Catholic Diocese of Laredo. The cathedral overlooks San Agustín Plaza, which is located across the street, and is a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture. Its most prominent feature is the clock and bell tower, which reaches a height of 141 feet. Other notable features include its white plaster facade (the interior is plastered as well) and Gothic stained glass windows. The cathedral is a contributing property of the San Agustin de Laredo Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.   

Laredo Texas Walking Tour

Republic of the Rio Grande Museum

Introduction

Images

Sources

Additional Information