Region: Hill Country
Originally named Taylorsville in 1876, it was home to the International and
Great Northern railroad, and in 1882 the Missouri, Kansas and Texas line was
established to make Taylor the crossroads of enterprise. Rich black soil made
cattle and cotton king. A large fire in 1879 destroyed 29 wood-frame buildings
in the flourishing downtown. Buildings were quickly rebuilt with brick and
mortar, and they are still part of today's architecturally significant downtown.
Today, Taylor is a thriving community with a balanced mix of business and
residential. The city is home to a community-owned hospital, Temple College, a
wireless community network, and some of the top barbecue in the nation. City was
home to several famous citizens, including actor Rip Torn; Elmer "Pet"
Brown,world middleweight wrestling champion; Dan Moody, the youngest Governor in
Texas' history; and Bill Pickett, the cowboy who invented "bulldogging".
Festivals include Outlaw Truck and Tractor Pull in June, Taylor Rodeo in
July, International BBQ Cook-Off in August, Bloomin' Festival in May and
Christmas parade and Lights of the Blackland Tour in December.