Historic Preservation on the Border

There are "Laredo" versions of Jeeps, "Laredo" branded tires, and "The Streets of Laredo" funeral dirge. The town was born in 1755, about the same time as George Washington was running his Virginia Plantation, Mount Vernon, and buying up wilderness land across the West Virginia mountains. George was a shrewd buyer, as well as becoming our first President, and the indispensible Founder of the United States. It is fitting, perhaps, that Laredo holds an almost continuous party from January through February--in honor of our First President. It's the "Washington's Birthday Celebration Association's bash.

One of the earliest WBCA events is the "Jamboozie", coming up on the night of January 26, 2008. This particular party is a Madi Gras, fun-and-festive attire splash of bands and food in the historic center of Laredo. The
buildings of the downtown area range from modest Spanish Colonial homes, to up-scale Victorian Houses, with some nice squares here and there. A bit further to the west of center city, is Fort Mc Intosh, now housing a campus of Laredo Community College. The Fort contains many original Army Post Buildings, as well as a unique Environmental Center--first established as an Israeli "drip irrigation" project in the 1980's. Fort Mc Intosh is also know for having Robert E. Lee and JEB Stuart pass through it's walls, as well as one of the first U.S. combat airplanes to land on it's grounds. Unfortunately, the plane crashed after leaving Laredo.

But back to happier thoughts, the Jamboozie draws folks into the historic parts of Laredo to enjoy music from Mexican to Jazzz, and celebrate George's birthday at the same time.