Spanish Archives of Laredo

"Based on documents from the Laredo Archives, Life in Laredo shows the evolution and development of daily life in a town under the flags of Spain, Mexico, and the United States. Isolated on the northern frontier of New Spain and often forgotten by authorities far away, the people of Laredo became as grand as the river that flowed by their town and left an enduring legacy in a world of challenges and changes. Because of its documentary nature, Life in Laredo offers insights into the nitty-gritty of the comings and goings of its early citizens not to be found elsewhere. Robert D. Wood, S.M., presents the first one hundred years of history and culture in Laredo up to the mid-nineteenth century, illuminating--with primary source evidence--the citizens’ beliefs, cultural values, efforts to make a living, political seesawing, petty quarreling, and constant struggles against local Indians. He also details rebellious military and invading foreigners among the early settlers and later townspeople."

The Spanish archives of Laredo -- The founding of Laredo -- Laredo through the years -- Laredo under Spain -- Laredo during the Texas Republic -- Excerpt from the Laredo AFB speech -- The Laredo city election and riot of 1886 -- An autobiographical speech.

The "revised second edition of the Laredo Archives Indexes [is] by Brother Wood... Sebron Wilcox found the documents in the basement of the Webb County Courthouse in 1934, possibly saving them from destruction. Mr. Wilcox began to organize the records with the help of Father Andrés of San Agustine Church. Later work, including transcriptions, was continued as a W.P.A. project under Ricardo de la Garza and the work was completed in 1940 by the Historical Records Survey and the Statewide Records Progress. Brother Wood expertly continued the more recent preservation work of Carmen Perry and Bro. Paul Novosal. The archives belong to the State of Texas but St. Mary's has been designated as the permanent repository. Since the first publication of the Indexes in 1993, six volumes of documents from the archives have been published by Brother Wood. In this edition, in the chronological index, an asterisk in front of the document indicates that it has been published. The complete list of published documents after the chronological index indicates in which volume it appears."

Laredo Archives Series, No. 1.

Laredo Archives Series, No. 2. Documents on the Indians.

Laredo Archives Series, No. 3. Contents: Religion: Mission, Clergy, Church; Political life: Elections, National politics; Ordinances and laws; Education; Military life: Fort McIntosh; Land questions.

Laredo Archives Series, No. 4. Translation and summaries: Part One: Mexico's Last Years Under Spain [1809-1820] -- Part Two: Mexico from 1821-1845.

Laredo Archives Series, No. 5. Translation and summaries.

Laredo Archives Series, No. 6. Translations and summaries: Part One: Wills -- Part Two: Inventories -- Part Three: Tax Lists: 1814, 1815, 1831, 1835, 1844, 1855 -- Index.