Laredo, Texas was located in the New Spain colony known as Neuvo Santander in 1755. Its founding father was Thomas Sanchez.The Texas Rangers occupied Laredo during the Mexican-American War. The Treaty of Guadaloupe Hidalgo gave possession of Laredo, Texas to the United States.

Laredo settlers traded with the Carrizo, Borrado and Lipan Indians. The Comanches and Apaches raiding became a problem so in 1775 the settlers built a military fort, whereby the comapnaias volantes resided. During the Mexican War of Independence, Laredo served the residence of Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. Antonio Canales Rosillo and Antonio Zapata led the opposing force. Captain Robert Addison Gillespie hoisted the American Flag over Laredo, Texas in 1846.

Laredo’s Fort McIntosh was named after Lieutenant Colonel James Simmons McIntosh.

Colonel Santos Benavides defeated the Confederates on Laredo soil during the Civil War. In 1882, the Mexican National railroad came to Laredo. During World War II, Laredo, Texas provided fighter pilot training at Laredo Army Air Field. Today, Laredo remains an international trade port for the United States and Mexico.