Established in 1880, this city initially grew as a railroad town on the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railroad and Missouri, Kansas and Texas lines. Today, it is a retail trade and agricultural center, one of the Southwest's leading medical centers and a growing industrial producer.

The city also is known for great shopping, dining options, and sporting and special events. The Temple Symphony Orchestra and Temple Civic Theatre perform throughout the year.

Annual events include the Bloomin' Temple Festival and Jazz Festival in the spring, Hot Summer Sounds concert in the park series in the summer and Fright Fest on Main Street in October.