Water Conservation

Residents asked to begin mandatory outdoor water restrictions until Sunday, June 30th at 7 a.m. due to a water treatment facility pump failure and repair.

Mandatory Outdoor Watering Restrictions

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Waco's 175th Anniversary

March 2024 to March 2025 marks the 175th anniversary of Waco, Texas. The anniversary is an appropriate time to reflect and tell the stories of our richly diverse history and recognize and honor the strength and resilience of our people. Join us in celebrating all year long, honoring and acknowledging our City’s history.

Discover Waco's History

Waco Government Over the Years

From aldermen, to city managers, to commissioners, and back, we've explored different leadership models. Our government system evolved until 1958 when we officially became a council-manager form of government. Today, we thrive under that model, showcasing our commitment to progress and resident participation.

151 Years of Fire Service

For 151 years, the Waco Fire Department has been a cornerstone of public safety in Waco. Founded after a devastating fire in 1873, the department began with dedicated volunteers and horse-drawn equipment. Today, the Fire Department boasts 14 stations, specialized teams, and cutting-edge technology!

Unearth Waco History Thousands of Years in the Making

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.

Remembering the 1953 Waco Tornado

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.

Continue the Learning Experience

MyWacoTV features an incredible catalog of videos featuring the personal stories of some of Waco's long-time residents. Experience the history directly from our residents. Stories include the 1953 tornado, war hero Doris Miller, the Cotton Belt Trail, and more.

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Special Thanks

A special thank you to Sean Sutcliffe, librarian for the Waco-McLennan County Library, for his invaluable assistance in our research on each topic in the Waco 175th Anniversary series of articles.