Historic architecture tours in Laredo, Texas

Fort McIntosh National Historic District is located at 1 West End Washington Street in Laredo, Texas. This historic site was established after the U.S.-Mexican War of 1846-48 and was named in honor of Lieutenant Colonel James Simmons McIntosh. The fort, built in 1853, sits on a bluff overlooking the Rio Grande and played a strategic role in border protection. Over the years, additional structures were added and modified, including a hospital, chapel, and barracks. The district, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is home to Laredo Community College and features Victorian-style officers' quarters and original earthen walls. The Lamar Bruni Vergara Environmental Science Center on campus offers educational programs and opportunities to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the Rio Grande Watershed. Visitors can also learn about the historic Rio Grande crossing known as Paso de los Indios, which has been used by American Indians, soldiers, and settlers for centuries. With regular tours and public programming, Fort McIntosh National Historic District offers a unique blend of history, education, and conservation.