Historic Laredo

The La Posada Hotel is forever tied to Texas
and Mexico. Rich in history and tradition, it
stands on the Rio Grande where Don Tomas
Sanchez chose to settle Villa de San Agustin de
Laredo in 1755.
By 1790, Laredo, with over 700 citizens,
had become a concentration point for royal
Spanish troops. As Mexico challenged Spain
for its independence, Laredo assumed a pivotal
role, with troops from both sides stationing
themselves in the river community. By 1836,
the Republic of Texas had stretched to the Rio
Grande, including Laredo. Border cities joined
several northern Mexico states in forming the
short-lived Republic of the Rio Grande, seeking
independence from both Mexico and Texas.
It’s capital was the present Republic of the Rio
Grande Museum site, located on the La
Posada’s grounds.
The streets of Laredo remained rough and
rustic until well into the 1920s, but Laredo’s
leaders recognized the value of educating its
youth. In 1916, town leaders dedicated Laredo
High School. Generations of citizens were educated
at the plaza school.
In 1961, the old school was converted into
the La Posada Hotel/Suites, welcoming guests
from across the globe. The hotel’s popularity has
resulted in two expansions, encompassing structures
on the east and west sides to create dining,
lounging, ballroom, office, and meeting facilities.
In 1994, Barbara Fasken purchased the historic
hotel and continues its operation
through Palafox Hospitality, Ltd. A multi-million
dollar renovation updated the decor and
safety systems but left the historic architecture
and ambiance intact. Almost 40 years after
registering its first guest, the 208-room La
Posada continues to reflect its Spanish heritage,
maintain strong ties to the history and
traditions of Texas and Mexico and take the
state’s lead in the development of North
American free trade.
La Posada Hotel/Suites is located at 1000
Zaragoza Street; (956) 722-1701;
www.laposadahotel-laredo.com
LA POSADA
HOTEL/SUITES
Sharing the Heritage ✦ 103