Region: Prairies and Lakes
This charming village on I-35, south of Temple in Central Texas, dates from
the state's early days. The town grew around the Sterling C. Robertson home and
plantation and was incorporated in 1867. Named for Salado (salty) Creek, the
town prospered with the founding of Salado College in 1860. It also was a
prominent stop on the Chisholm Trail. The first farmer's Grange in Texas was
established here 1873. But, when bypassed by the railroad, the late
19th-century's ultimate transportation mode, the college closed and the town
dwindled to the status of an isolated village.
Today's visitors find a variety of shops, art galleries, antiques, crafts,
the 27-hole Robert Trent Jones Jr. golf course, fine dining, festivals, live
entertainment and historic lodging. Today, there are 20 sites with state and
national historical markers, including Salado Creek, which was the first Texas
Natural Landmark to be designated by the Texas Historical Survey
Committee.