Laredo is located on the northern bank on the Rio Grande River and is the largest city within the Webb County. The city of Laredo presently has three bridges, with a fourth being in the works along the Tamualipas border. Two border crossings are currently maintained by the city; One with the Mexican State of Nuevo Leon at Columbia and one with the Mexican State of Tamaulipas at Nuevo Laredo. The principal port of entry into Mexico within Laredo City could be accessed on the Pan American Highway.
The average maximum temperature throughout the springtime is 89 degree Fahrenheit and the minimum is around 54 F. Throughout the summer, the high is typically roughly 98 degree Fahrenheit and the low is 73 F. The temperatures during the months of fall vary from a high of 95 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 70 F. Throughout the winter, the temperature varies from 71 degrees Fahrenheit to 46 degrees Fahrenheit. There is around 19 inches of precipitation per year and the average humidity is 62 percent.
The name "Laredo" was derived from a small town in Santander, that sits in the Spain's north shore. A Spaniard, Jose de Escandon, helped to establish one of the last northern provinces of New Spain, Nuevo Santander. The aim was to colonize the nation Mexico. Laredo City was colonized during 1755 and was originally named San Agustin de Laredo. Along with the city of Laredo, six other settlements were established along the Rio Grande by Escandon, consisting of Carmargo and Reynosa in 1749, Dolores and Revilla during 1750, and Mier during 1752. Laredo is believed to be the oldest independent settlement in Texas since there were no missions connected with its founding. It is currently the only remaining Spanish colonial settlement on the north bank of the lower Rio Grande.
On the 15th of May, the year 1755, Captain Tomas Sanchez, with three families, settled 15 leagues of land on the Rio Grande. The family raised cattle, sheep, horses, goats, oxen and mules. The city of Laredo was laid out by 1767 with the economy mainly focused on ranching.
Within the city of Laredo, there are four South Texas banking institutions: the Falcon International Bank, International Bank of Commerce, BBVA Compass, and Texas Community Bank. The city of Laredo has the largest inland port in the United States. Thanks to its strategic location, the North American Free Trade Agreement, several twin assembly plants, and dozens of import export agencies. Shoppers from Mexico flock to the city of Laredo as a shopping destination, which helps supplement the economy.