The Webb County Heritage Foundation celebrates the 180th anniversary of the declaration of the Republic of the Rio Grande with a cocktail reception on January 11, 2020 in the historic capitol building of that independent nation – the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum at 1005 Zaragoza St.
Laredo’s unique chapter in history, the Republic of the Rio Grande, lasted ten months in the mid nineteenth century. Frustrated with boundary problems and Mexico’s centralist regime, citizens banded together to form a sovereign state composed of Coahuila y Tejas, Tamaulipas, and Nuevo Leon – hence the three stars on the flag.
On January 7, 1840, the Republic of the Río Grande was proclaimed by constitutional convention and Laredo was named its capital. A small structure across the square from San Agustín Church became its headquarters. That structure now houses the Republic of the Río Grande Museum.
The public is invited to the reception honoring past honorary Presidents of the Republic of the Río Grande – a title bestowed yearly by the Webb County Heritage Foundation on individuals exemplifying commitment to historic preservation, heritage education, or preservation of historic architecture.
The event will take place at 6 p.m. in the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum at 1005 Zaragoza St. on the grounds of La Posada Hotel. This will mark the beginning of a year of anniversaries commemorating various significant markers in Laredo’s history including the 265thanniversary of the founding of Laredo in May and the 40th anniversary of the Webb County Heritage Foundation.
A special feature of the evening will be the unveiling of plans for a new museum exhibit showcasing the Republic of the Río Grande. A capital campaign is underway to underwrite the costs of this new exhibit and collateral educational materials. For exhibit sponsorship information, contact the Webb County Heritage Foundation.
“We are looking forward to more attention given to our city’s rich historic narrative and we welcome the collaboration of La Posada Hotel and the City of Laredo as we kick off the 2020 year with this 180th commemoration of the Republic of the Río Grande. No other community in Texas can boast being the capital of its own country!” said Margarita Araiza, executive director of the Heritage Foundation. “We welcome everyone to join our events throughout the year and learn more about our community’s contributions to world history.”
For more information on this and other events throughout the year, please contact the Webb County Heritage Foundation at (956) 727-0977 or visit www.webbheritage.org and our Facebook page.
