Region: Prairies and Lakes
One of Texas' major cities, Waco is in the rich agricultural region along the
Brazos River. Modern industry thrives, but the city retains the flavor of its
past when the five "C's"—cattle, cotton, corn, collegians and culture—were its
support. Large, cold springs on the Brazos River were long popular with the
Native American Waco tribe. The first non-natives to see the area were remnants
of De Soto's band in 1542. A Texas Ranger fort was established near the Native
American village in 1837, and the first white settlers came 12 years later.
After the Civil War wrecked the area's plantation economy, renewed Western
movement and the Chisholm Trail's path through Waco brought another boom—and
frontier wildness that branded the town "Six-Shooter Junction."
Today, Waco is known for its educational, cultural and recreational
facilities. Institutions of higher learning are Baylor University, McLennan
Community College and Texas State Technical College. The Heart O' Texas Fair and
Rodeo, held the first week in October, offers professional rodeo action and live
entertainment.
Waco is blessed with many performing arts venues. For symphony orchestra:
254/752-0851. www.wacosymphony.com.
The Waco Civic Theatre features seven shows each season. 254/776-1591. www.wacocivictheatre.org.
A scenic river walk meanders along the Brazos River from Fort Fisher Park
past the suspension bridge and through Cameron Park to Herring
Avenue.