Laredo was once the capital of the short-lived Republic of the Rio Grande (lasting just 283 days), and it offers attendees unique historical experiences.
Blasita J. Lopez, director of the Laredo CVB, highly recommends receptions at Casa Ortiz (956.326.3200), one of the oldest residences in the state. It was home to five generations of the Ortiz family. Don Jose Reyes Ortiz was a merchant and go-between for Mexico and Texas. The home can be used for receptions.
"It’s a Spanish-influenced home built around a courtyard, and it’s one of the most unique places to hold an event," Lopez says.
La Posada (956.722.1701), comprising of several historic buildings and a hotel, is an integral part of the city’s history. It includes four properties. The old Garcia House that briefly served as the temporary capital of the Republic of the Rio Grande is now a museum that explores the history of the republic. The main building is the La Posada Hotel, which was the original Laredo High School, built in 1916. The Bruni Mansion became the Laredo Telephone Exchange, which now houses the Tack Room, and the old San Agustin Convent, which was converted into the San Agustin Ballroom and the George Washington Birthday Association Museum.
The Cathedral of San Agustin (956.722.0441) is another historical gem in Laredo. It anchors the San Agustin Historic District. The Gothic Revival church (designed by a French priest, curiously) features a five-story clock tower. Completed in 1872, it’s one of the oldest cathedrals in the Southwest. And it’s still a vibrant place of worship, as it is the mother church for more than 200,000 Catholics.
"There aren’t many places you can see a bicultural process illustrated so well in the U.S.," Lopez says. "I think attendees, particularly first-time visitors, are really impressed by that."
