Laredo in Webb County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
City Hall and Market House
Photographed by James Hulse, July 29, 2022
1. City Hall and Market House Marker
In the early 1880s several railroad lines were built into Laredo from both the United States and Mexico, resulting in major economic boom for the city. Laredo's population tripled in size with the arrival of U.S. and Mexican immigrants, and city leaders began planning for larger municipal offices to replace a smaller facility on the south side of St. Augustine Plaza.
The construction of this City Hall and Market House complex in 1883-84 led to a rapid shift of community activity away from St. Augustine Plaza and toward this site. The city hall housed offices of the mayor and other city officials, city council chambers, and an auditorium. Later public uses of the building included a skating rink, library, and temporary quarters for Laredo High School in 1916-17.
The adjacent Marker House provided indoor retail space to merchants who had previously operated from open-air stalls on the site. By 1930 it was converted into office space and an arena for local athletic events. Although the City Hall and Market House complex has been significantly altered over the years, it remains an important landmark and link to Laredo's late 19th-century development.
Erected 1990 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 874.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these
this page online
Location. 27° 30.281′ N, 99° 30.347′ W. Marker is in Laredo, Texas, in Webb County. It is at the intersection of San Agustin Avenue and Hidalgo Street on San Agustin Avenue. The marker is located at the front entrance to the Laredo Center for the Arts. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 500 San Agustin Avenue, Laredo TX 78040, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in South Texas. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Laredo's Washington's Birthday Celebration (within shouting distance of this marker); The Laredo National Bank (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Laredo Fire Department (about 700 feet away); The Ramσn Family (about 700 feet away); St. Augustine Parochial School (about 800 feet away); Laredo Election Riot, 1886 (about 800 feet away); Original Site of Villa De Laredo (approx. 0.2 miles away); Benavides Brothers (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Laredo.
Also see . . . Laredo Center for the Arts. Texas Historical Commission website entry (Submitted on December 19, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by James Hulse, July 29, 2022
2. City Hall and Market House Marker
Photographed by James Hulse, July 29, 2022
3. The view of the City Hall and Market House Marker from across the street
Credits. This page was last revised on December 19, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 31, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 479 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 31, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
