Lake Appreciation Month: Celebrating Our Regional Water Source Published on July 17, 2024 Celebrate Lake Appreciation Month by reflecting on Lake Waco — our regional water source! Learn about the decades of planning that went into securing Waco's water supply. From the original dam's construction in 1930 to the most recent water level increase in 2003, Lake Waco's history reflects our community's commitment to water security. Tagged as: , 175th Anniversary
Brazos River Dam: Shaping Waco's Riverfront Published on July 02, 2024 The beautiful Waco riverfront we enjoy today is thanks to the Brazos River municipal dam. Initially conceived in the early 1900s and completed in 1970, this dam transformed the river into Lake Brazos, enabling countless recreational activities and downtown development. After many upgrades over the years, the dam remains a crucial landmark, shaping the vibrant riverfront we cherish now. Tagged as: , 175th Anniversary
Model Cities Program: Waco Urban Renewal Published on June 18, 2024 The Model Cities program was a federal initiative in the 1960s to revitalize struggling urban neighborhoods. Waco was selected for the program and received millions of dollars in funding. The money was used for various projects including community centers, public safety, transportation, infrastructure, and parks. Evidence of the Model Cities program's impact can still be seen in Waco today. Tagged as: , 175th Anniversary
From Frontier Outpost to Texas Ranger Historical Center Published on May 30, 2024 Since October 1968, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum has consistently been one of Waco’s top tourist attractions, welcoming over 4.3 million visitors since its opening. It is a source of pride for the City of Waco and a site that honors and celebrates the Texas Ranger legacy. Tagged as: , 175th Anniversary
Remembering the 1953 Waco Tornado Published on May 10, 2024 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. Tagged as: , 175th Anniversary
Unearth Waco History Thousands of Years in the Making Published on April 26, 2024 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. Tagged as: , 175th Anniversary
151 Years of Fire Service Published on April 16, 2024 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! Tagged as: , 175th Anniversary
Waco Government Over the Years Published on March 22, 2024 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. Tagged as: , 175th Anniversary