Spanning the Brazos: The Waco Suspension Bridge Published on September 13, 2024 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. Tagged as: , 175th Anniversary
Cameron Park Zoo: Where Wildlife Meets Conservation Published on August 29, 2024 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. Tagged as: , 175th Anniversary
Lake Waco Wetlands Celebrates 20th Anniversary Published on August 19, 2024 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. Tagged as: , 175th Anniversary
Cameron Park: A Park to Rival All Others Published on July 29, 2024 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. Tagged as: , 175th Anniversary
Lake Appreciation Month: Celebrating Our Regional Water Source Published on July 17, 2024 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. Tagged as: , 175th Anniversary
Brazos River Dam: Shaping Waco's Riverfront Published on July 02, 2024 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. Tagged as: , 175th Anniversary
Model Cities Program: Waco Urban Renewal Published on June 18, 2024 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. Tagged as: , 175th Anniversary
From Frontier Outpost to Texas Ranger Historical Center Published on May 30, 2024 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. Tagged as: , 175th Anniversary
Remembering the 1953 Waco Tornado Published on May 10, 2024 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. Tagged as: , 175th Anniversary
Unearth Waco History Thousands of Years in the Making Published on April 26, 2024 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. Tagged as: , 175th Anniversary