Laredo, Texas, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of cattle ranching and agriculture in South Texas. Nestled on the north bank of the Rio Grande, this vibrant city has played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s agricultural economy and cultural identity. From its Spanish colonial roots to its modern position as a key agricultural hub, Laredo’s story is woven with the threads of ranching, farming, and community resilience.
Foundations of Ranching in Laredo
The origins of ranching in Laredo date back to the mid-18th century, when Captain Tomás Sánchez founded the settlement of San Agustin de Laredo in 1755. Sánchez, along with a handful of families, was granted extensive land near a strategic crossing on the Rio Grande. These early settlers brought with them livestock—cattle, sheep, goats, horses, mules, and oxen—which formed the backbone of the local economy and sustenance.
Unlike other Texas towns established around missions or presidios, Laredo emerged as an independent settlement, making it the oldest Spanish colonial community on the north bank of the Rio Grande.
Ranching quickly became the lifeblood of the area. By the early 1800s, at least forty ranches operated around Laredo, with livestock serving as the main source of wealth. The Spanish and Mexican governments encouraged this growth through generous land grants, enabling families like the Cavazos and Sánchez to command vast tracts of land and manage large herds.
Cattle Drives and Economic Expansion
Laredo’s strategic location on the San Antonio-Laredo road—an early segment of the historic Camino Real—positioned it as a critical node in the first Texas cattle drives. In the 18th and 19th centuries, herds were driven along this route to Saltillo and beyond, fueling trade and economic expansion. The city’s proximity to the Mexican border facilitated the exchange of wool, hides, and livestock for essential goods, further entrenching ranching as the region’s economic engine.
Throughout the 19th century, Laredo’s ranching families adapted to changing economic and environmental conditions. As sheep ranching gained prominence, wool became a principal export, bringing prosperity and growth. However, the area’s ranchers also faced significant challenges, including frequent raids by Comanche and Lipan Apache groups, which at times forced the abandonment of outlying ranches.
Agricultural Diversification and Modernization
With the turn of the 20th century, Laredo’s agricultural landscape diversified. The introduction of irrigated farming along the Rio Grande transformed the region, leading to the cultivation of Bermuda onions, cantaloupes, tomatoes, and other crops. By the early 1900s, Laredo had earned national recognition as the “Bermuda onion capital” of the United States. This agricultural boom attracted new settlers and investment, further cementing Laredo’s role as a center of innovation and productivity.
Prominent ranching families, such as the Walkers, exemplified the spirit of adaptation and modernization. James Oliver “J.O.” Walker, Sr., established a ranching empire in the early 20th century, acquiring thousands of acres and embracing new technologies like helicopters for cattle management. His son, Gene Simeon Walker, Sr., expanded the family’s holdings across Texas and into Mexico, earning accolades such as “Rancher of the Year” and recognition from the Laredo Chamber of Commerce.
Laredo’s Contemporary Agricultural Impact
Today, agriculture and ranching remain integral to Laredo’s economy and identity. The city is the county seat of Webb County and serves as the largest inland port in the United States, facilitating the export of agricultural products across the border. According to Mayor Victor Treviño, agriculture is the “backbone of Laredo’s economy,” with the region responsible for half of all U.S. agricultural exports passing through the Port of Laredo. This vibrant trade supports local jobs, sustains families, and strengthens the community.
Sustainability and conservation have become central to modern agricultural practices in the region. Federal funding and programs from the U.S. Department of Agriculture support local farmers in implementing conservation techniques such as low-till farming, cover cropping, and drip irrigation. These initiatives help ensure that Laredo’s farms and ranches remain resilient in the face of environmental challenges, while also promoting community health and food security.
Preserving Heritage and Community Identity
Laredo’s rich ranching and agricultural heritage is celebrated through its historic districts, museums, and community events. The city’s downtown area, including landmarks like Casa Ortiz and the San Agustin de Laredo Historic District, offers a window into the past, while organizations such as the Webb County Heritage Foundation and Laredo Main Street work to revitalize and preserve these treasures. The city’s unique blend of Mexican and American influences is reflected in its street names, festivals, and cultural traditions.
Laredo’s legacy also extends to its role in the broader story of Texas ranching. The nearby King Ranch, established in the mid-19th century, remains one of the largest and most influential ranches in the world, with deep ties to South Texas’s ranching culture. The enduring presence of family-owned operations and the continued importance of cattle drives, livestock auctions, and agricultural fairs highlight the region’s ongoing commitment to its roots.
