Waco's 175th Anniversary

March 2024 to March 2025 marks the 175th anniversary of Waco, Texas. The anniversary is an appropriate time to reflect and tell the stories of our richly diverse history and recognize and honor the strength and resilience of our people. Join us in celebrating all year long, honoring and acknowledging our City’s history.

Discover Waco's History

Cameron Park Zoo: Where Wildlife Meets Conservation

Cameron Park Zoo began as a modest dream in the 1950s and has grown into a beloved Waco tourism destination. After several moves, the zoo opened its doors in Cameron Park in 1993. Today, it boasts over 1,700 animals and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Cameron Park Zoo continues to serve as place where education, conservation, and recreation converge.

Elm Avenue: Waco's Front Porch

Elm Avenue has been a vital artery of Waco for nearly as long as the City itself. Stretching from the Brazos River to the Dallas Highway, Elm Avenue has long been a commercial hub. After a period of decline, Elm saw a shift and revitalization in the early 21st century. Today it serves as Waco's front porch and is once again thriving with businesses, markets, and festivals.

Waco Government Over the Years

From aldermen, to city managers, to commissioners, and back, we've explored different leadership models. Our government system evolved until 1958 when we officially became a council-manager form of government. Today, we thrive under that model, showcasing our commitment to progress and resident participation.

151 Years of Fire Service

For 151 years, the Waco Fire Department has been a cornerstone of public safety in Waco. Founded after a devastating fire in 1873, the department began with dedicated volunteers and horse-drawn equipment. Today, the Fire Department boasts 14 stations, specialized teams, and cutting-edge technology!

Unearth Waco History Thousands of Years in the Making

Waco's history stretches back thousands of years when Columbian mammoths roamed across Central Texas. When local residents Paul Barron and Eddy Bufkin stumbled upon a giant bone in 1978, they kicked off over 40 years of excavation work to uncover the history behind the Columbian mammoths.

Remembering the 1953 Waco Tornado

On May 11, 1953, a devastating EF-5 tornado ripped through Waco. The storm claimed 114 lives, injured nearly 1,100, and left Downtown Waco with many buildings in ruins. However, Waco persevered. The City rebuilt and continues to thrive today. The memory of that fateful day and the psychological scars it left on survivors remain.

From Frontier Outpost to Texas Ranger Historical Center

Since October 1968, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum has consistently been one of Waco’s top tourist attractions, welcoming over 4.3 million visitors since its opening. It is a source of pride for the City of Waco and a site that honors and celebrates the Texas Ranger legacy.

Model Cities Program: Waco Urban Renewal

The Model Cities program was a federal initiative in the 1960s to revitalize struggling urban neighborhoods. Waco was selected for the program and received millions of dollars in funding. The money was used for various projects including community centers, public safety, transportation, infrastructure, and parks. Evidence of the Model Cities program's impact can still be seen in Waco today.

Brazos River Dam: Shaping Waco's Riverfront

The beautiful Waco riverfront we enjoy today is thanks to the Brazos River municipal dam. Initially conceived in the early 1900s and completed in 1970, this dam transformed the river into Lake Brazos, enabling countless recreational activities and downtown development. After many upgrades over the years, the dam remains a crucial landmark, shaping the vibrant riverfront we cherish now.

Lake Appreciation Month: Celebrating Our Regional Water Source

Celebrate Lake Appreciation Month by reflecting on Lake Waco — our regional water source! Learn about the decades of planning that went into securing Waco's water supply. From the original dam's construction in 1930 to the most recent water level increase in 2003, Lake Waco's history reflects our community's commitment to water security.

Cameron Park: A Park to Rival All Others

Cameron Park is one the state's largest municipal parks, featuring a 23-hole disc golf course, views of the Bosque and Brazos Rivers, and a 20-mile trail network. Established over a century ago, the park is connected to Waco's history and the Cameron family, who donated the land and funds for its creation and expansion. Over the decades, the park has grown to nearly 400 acres.

Lake Waco Wetlands Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Located on the North Bosque River and covering over 180 acres, the Lake Waco Wetlands provides a diverse habitat for the early development of plants and animals. The Wetlands also provide flood protection and naturally treat about 11 million gallons of water per day. This August, Lake Waco Wetlands celebrates the 20th anniversary of the grand opening of its research and education center.

Spanning the Brazos: The Waco Suspension Bridge

For over 150 years, the Suspension Bridge has stood as one of Waco’s most emblematic landmarks. Originally constructed in 1870, it has served Waco as a thoroughfare for horses, cows, wagons, and automobiles. Today, the bridge continues to connect our community across the Brazos River as a pedestrian bridge. It serves as a popular destination for residents and tourists alike in the heart of Waco.

Lost Barrios: Remembering Sandtown and Calle Dos

In the early 20th century, Waco's Hispanic community thrived in two vibrant neighborhoods — Sandtown and Calle Dos. These barrios offered a sense of belonging and cultural identity to Mexican American workers and refugees. Even after the barrios were overtaken by urban renewal, their legacy lives on with the former residents and in the ongoing efforts to preserve Waco's Hispanic history.

Waco's Municipal Center: A History of City Hall

Waco's City Hall has witnessed the city's growth and served as the administrative hub for over a century. The original building was built in the 1850s, and City Hall has seen multiple iterations each with several renovations and expansions to accommodate the City's changing needs.

Blackland Army Air Field: Waco's Contribution to World War II

As we honor Veterans Day, let’s remember the sacrifices of those who trained at Blackland Army Air Field. This Waco base played a pivotal role in the U.S. war effort during World War II, training thousands of pilots who would go on to fight in the war. While the base closed in 1945, its legacy lives on today through the Waco Regional Airport.

Waco's Indigenous Roots: The Wi-iko Legacy

Waco proudly bears the name of the Wi-iko people, an indigenous tribe who once thrived in Central Texas. Settled along the Brazos River, the Wi-iko were skilled farmers and hunters, living in organized villages. Their peaceful existence was disrupted by tribal conflicts and European diseases, leading to their forced relocation. Today, we honor their history and contributions to this land.

Celebrating 125 Years of the Waco-McLennan County Library

Waco-McLennan County Library is turning 125! It all started in the late 19th century when a group of visionary women came together to open Waco's first public library on Dec. 15, 1899. Since then, the library has grown and evolved with expanded services and new locations. Today, the library continues to be a vital part of our community, offering books, programs, and resources for all ages.

A History of Indian Spring Park

Indian Spring Park sits on the Brazos River near the Waco Suspension Bridge. Its history dates back to the Waco Springs, a gathering place for Native American tribes. The park has evolved from its first iteration as Riggins Park to its current vibrant community space. Today, it continues to attract residents and visitors with concerts, the Branding of the Brazos sculptures, and more!

Where Waco Comes Together: A History of the Waco Convention Center

Since its dedication in 1972, the Waco Convention Center has been a cornerstone of Downtown Waco, hosting everything from private events to conventions. Over the years, the center has grown with the city, adding modern features and expanded event spaces. Today, the Waco Convention Center continues to thrive, providing exceptional service and creating memories for guests from near and far.

Continue the Learning Experience

MyWacoTV features an incredible catalog of videos featuring the personal stories of some of Waco's long-time residents. Experience the history directly from our residents. Stories include the 1953 tornado, war hero Doris Miller, the Cotton Belt Trail, and more.

Watch Now

Special Thanks

A special thank you to Sean Sutcliffe, Waco-McLennan County librarian, for his invaluable assistance in our research on each topic in the Waco 175th Anniversary series of articles.