David Smith Kornegay · 1936
Fought at San Jacinto, 1836. Escaped the Dawson Massacre 1842. Born in North Carolina 1810. Died April 5, 1856. Erected by the State of Texas 1936
View on map ↗McLennan County, Texas
Historical Markers in Waco, Texas
Waco is home to 128 official Texas Historical Commission markers — each one telling a piece of the city’s story. Browse the markers below, then find them on the map and discover more nearby with RoadHistorical.
Dr. Rufus Columbus Burleson · 1936
Pioneer preacher, president of Baylor University. Born in Alabama August 7, 1823. Died May 14, 1901. His wife Georgia J. Burleson born September 23 1833, died June 11, 1924.
View on map ↗McLennan County · 1936
Created January 22, 1850. Organized August 5, 1850. Named in honor of Neil McLennan 1787-1867. Came to Texas in 1835. Located on the Bosque River in 1840. Built the first dwelling a log cabin, in McLennan County Waco,…
View on map ↗Neil McLennan · 1936
Pioneer Texan for whom McLennan County was named born on the Isle of Skye, Scotland Sept. 2, 1787. Came to Texas in 1834 died in 1867. Mrs. Neil McLennan born in North Carolina August, 1797 died in 1871.
View on map ↗R. E. B. Baylor · 1936
(Front) Robert Emmett Bledsoe Baylor 1791-1873. Founder of Baylor University under the Republic of Texas 1845, donor of the first thousand dollars to the institution; president of the first board of trustees. Professor…
View on map ↗Site of Torrey's Trading Post · 1936
Established in 1843 by John F. Torrey and brothers and managed by George Barnard the post was on the line separating the Indian and white settlements; Here the Indians signed treaties and received presents until 1854…
View on map ↗Site of Waco Indian Village · 1936
On this site stood the village of a semi-civilized tribe, the Waco Indians who made a treaty with Stephen F. Austin in 1824 but were driven out by Comanches about 1837. From them the city of Waco, laid out by Major…
View on map ↗East Terrace · 1962
Built in1870s by John W. (1838-1909) and Cemira Twaddle Mann (1847-1934). Mann, a local business and civic leader, manufactured much of the brick used to build the famous Waco suspension bridge. Brazos River sand…
View on map ↗Hoyle Cabin · 1963
Originally situated on and patented in Rusk County about 1853 to Matilda Holye (later Mrs. Purviance Williams). Built 1858 of hand-hewn and saw-notched native yellow pine logs. After 1880, cabin was owned for many years…
View on map ↗Johnson-Taylor House · 1963
Erected 1873-79 by merchant Sanford Taylor as a simple, two-story pink brick residence, this house acquired its grand manner after sale (1912) to P.G. and Eva Carter Taylor. The Taylors made basic architectural…
View on map ↗St. Paul's Episcopal Church · 1963
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View on map ↗The Sims Cabin · 1963
Built 1852 in Freestone County by Sterling Sims (d. 1882), settler from Georgia. With family and 17 slaves, Sims journeyed up the Trinity from Galveston, then by ox-wagon from Navarro Crossing to 490-acre farm he had…
View on map ↗Waco · 1964
Founded 1849. Named for Waco Indians. Sent men to state frontier defense and Confederate Army in Civil War. Home of five C.S.A. generals. Civic facilities serve as populous Central Texas region, as do its financial…
View on map ↗Waco Springs · 1964
Application for Listing Non-State Historical Marker With the State included.
View on map ↗General Richard Harrison · 1965
(1821-1876) One of a trio of brothers--great grand-nephews of U.S. president WM. Henry Harrison--who all gained rank of general in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. Richard Harrison was a physician and…
View on map ↗Lusk House · 1965
This house was built in 1866 by Capt. R.W. Lusk. In 1885, his widow, Margaret Henry Lusk, married her brother-in-law, Dr. W. R. Clifton, a pioneer Waco businessman, who lived here until 1925, when the property was…
View on map ↗Old Harrison · 1965
Named for Confederate General James E. Harrison, kinsman of U.S. president Wm. Henry Harrison and close friend of Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Born in South Carolina. Early settler, political leader and…
View on map ↗Robertson · 1965
The only father-son generals in the Civil War, except for Robert E. Lee and his son, are buried 1 block south. Gen. Jerome B. Robertson, Commander of Hood's Texas Brigade, Nov. 1862 to Jan. 1864, died in Waco Jan. 7,…
View on map ↗Sarah Ann Vouchere Walker · 1965
Widow of Jacob Walker, said to have been last man to die in the Alamo. Born in Louisiana in 1811. Married and came to Texas 1829, and to this area 1844. Received Republic of Texas Land Grant No. 1, Sabine County, a…
View on map ↗Camp MacArthur, World War I Training Camp · 1966
Named for and dedicated by Lt. Gen Arthur MacArthur, U.S.A., veteran of Civil War, outstanding officer in Phillipines, 1898-1902, Father of Gen. Douglas MacArthur. Founded July 18, 1917, to train 32nd division, National…
View on map ↗H. & T. C. Railroad · 1966
Waco & Northwestern Railroad (a subsidary of Houston & Texas Central) was built under charter given Waco group in 1866. When tracks reached Waco, Sept. 18, 1872, W. & N.W. president John T. Flint was master of…
View on map ↗Site of Old Texas Cotton Palace · 1966
Founded in 1894, when Waco was cotton capital of the South. After first exposition to mark end of cotton season, original palace burned; was rebuilt, 1909. Exposition each November had grand royal coronation; nobility…
View on map ↗Texas Christian University · 1966
A hundred people--faculty and students of Add-Ran Christian University (situated 1876-1895 at Thorp Spring)--reached Waco by train and marched 3 miles to this site on Christmas Eve 1895. By invitation, Add-Ran began to…
View on map ↗Torrey's Trading Post No. 2 · 1966
(2.3 mi. north on bluff above Trading House Creek) Site of greatest Indian council in Republic of Texas. There President Sam Houston made famous 1844 peace talks to assembled chiefs. A "listening post" for frontier;…
View on map ↗Waco, County Seat of McLennan County · 1967
Within sight of this spot March 1, 1849, occurred the first sale of town lots at Waco Village, former home of Waco Indians. Shapley P. Ross, first settler, started Brazos Ferry in 1850. McLennan County was created same…
View on map ↗Earle-Napier-Kinnard House · 1969
Original two rooms were built in 1850's by John Baylis Earle. He married Emma C. Nelson; their children--J.B., JR., Henry S., Nelson, Anne--were born here. Earle manufactured Confederate uniforms in mill built in 1861.…
View on map ↗Fort House · 1969
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View on map ↗Old Walker Homestead · 1969
Texas adaptation, Greek Revival architecture. Waco-made sand brick. Built about 1853 by a father and son, James and W.C. Walker, both veterans of Battle of San Jacinto, in Texas War for Independence. First brick home,…
View on map ↗Baylor University · 1970
World's largest Baptist University. Founded under charter issued by congress of Republic of Texas on Feb. 1, 1845, and in continuous operation ever since. Named for Judge R.E.B. Baylor (1791-1873), a native of Kentucky,…
View on map ↗Earle-Harrison House · 1970
Built in 1858-59, this handsome Greek revival house symbolized culture to early Waco, although only half was ever completed. Local post oak, plantation-made brick, cypress siding, and heart pine flooring were used by…
View on map ↗McLennan County Courthouse · 1970
Seat of Justice for county organized in 1850 by founders of Waco, to give the young city added strength. Ironically, until the early 20th century, county oustripped city in prosperity. This courthouse (the county's…
View on map ↗First Presbyterian Church of Waco · 1971
Congregtion established in1855, with 17 members and two ruling elders. This building was erected in 1912, after two earlier structures were outgrown. In 74 years, church had only two ministers: Dr. Samuel A. King,…
View on map ↗Proctor Springs · 1971
One of numerous watering sites used by frontiersmen; a picnic spot for early Waco. Deeded on May 24, 1910, by Mrs. William (Flora B.) Cameron and family to city of Waco as original grant for William Cameron Park--named…
View on map ↗The George Butler - Jesse Harrison House · 1971
One of first brick houses east of Brazos River. Built by land buyer Butler and his wife Emiline, in 1869--before east side became a part of Waco in 1871. Historic guests here have included Governor Pat Neff.
View on map ↗The Sturgis House · 1971
Built 1887 by James N. Harris in a refined Victorian style. Bricks handmade from Brazos River sand are used throughout entire structure and servant's quarters. Walls are 13-inch, solid, with interior plaster directly…
View on map ↗Paul Quinn College · 1972
Texas' Oldest Liberal Arts College for Negroes. Originally Connectional High School and Institute for Negro Youth; opened in Austin, April 4, 1872,by the African Methodist Episcopal Church, under Bishop J.M. Brown…
View on map ↗Waco Lodge No. 92, A.F.& A.M. · 1972
Oldest organization in continuous existence in Waco. Chartered Jan. 23, 1852, as Bosque Lodge, had name change in 1856. Texas Governors Richard Coke (1874-76), L.S. ("Sul") Ross (1887-91), and Pat M. Neff (1921-25) were…
View on map ↗Zion United Church of Christ · 1972
First mission congregation of the Evangelical Church in Texas. Initial services were held for German-speaking people of Waco by The Rev. Friederich Werning (1843-1931) in Presbyterian Church. Frame structure built on…
View on map ↗Governor Patrick Morris Neff · 1975
Born at nearby McGregor, Texas, Pat M. Neff was the ninth child of Noah and Isabella (Shepherd) Neff. He was educated at Baylor University and the University of Texas Law School. As a young Waco lawyer, Neff was elected…
View on map ↗Oakwood Cemetery · 1975
Before Oakwood Cemetery was established here in 1878, this tract of land contained a fairgrounds and race track. The 157-acre burial ground is successor to First Street Cemetery, oldest important cemetery in Waco. Many…
View on map ↗The Ross Oak · 1975
This large Live Oak tree is named for the Pioneer family of Shapley Prince Ross (1811-89), who camped here overnight while migrating from Missouri in 1839. They returned to this area in 1848,with Ross at the head of a…
View on map ↗Alexander McKinza · 1976
In 1834 Alexander McKinza moved to Nacogdoches, Texas, from his native Alabama. During the Texas War for Independence, he joined the Sabine volunteers under Capt. Benjamin F. Bryant and fought at the battle of San…
View on map ↗Greenwood Cemetery · 1976
The city of Waco established Greenwood Cemetery in 1875, with equal acreage allocated for the White and Black communities. In the 1930s, Mrs. Emma Norwood and others began the the care now given this part of by People's…
View on map ↗The Texas Rangers and the Fence Cutters · 1976
Before 1875 in Texas, cattle roamed over thousands of acres of public land, and free grazing became a tradition. After 1875, however, an increasing farm populace tended to protect crops and other property with barbed…
View on map ↗The Waco Suspension Bridge · 1976
In 1866 the Waco Bridge Company was granted a 25 year charter to build a toll bridge here. The charter guaranteed that no other bridge or ferry could be built within five miles. Construction began in 1868 and, after…
View on map ↗The Cottonland Castle · 1977
Stone contractor John Tennant began this house in 1890, when Waco's cotton-based economy flourished. In 1906 Tennant sold the structure to Ripley Hanrick, a cotton broker, but it remained unfinished. With plans drawn by…
View on map ↗Bosqueville Baptist Church · 1978
The Rev. S.G. O'Bryan organized this church in Nov. 1854. Frank Broadus, N.W. Brain, W.S.Gill, Mr. and Mrs. W.R. and Mrs. S.F. Sparks were charter members. They met in a log schoolhouse, and later at Bosqueville…
View on map ↗Bosqueville Methodist Church · 1978
Before organizing in 1853 this congregation met in homes. The following year services were led in the New Oakwood schoolhouse and later in the Bosqueville College. In 1875, under the leadership of the Rev. W.T. Melgin,…
View on map ↗Brann-Davis Shootings · 1978
The city of Waco in the 1890s divided into two armed camps over the caustic criticisms of William Cowper Brann (1855-1898) in his magazine, "The Iconoclast". A gifted writer, Brann attacked many organizations,…
View on map ↗First United Methodist Church of Waco · 1978
In 1850 the Rev. Joseph P. Sneed and 23 charter members founded this congregation, the first church in the townsite of Waco. Services were held initially in a log cabin at Second and Jackson Street. The Methodists…
View on map ↗Gerald-Harris Shooting · 1978
(November 19, 1897) James W. Harris (1863-1897), editor of Waco's "Time -Herald" and Judge George Bruce Gerald (1836-1914) argued over an article the Judge wrote. It supported William Cowper Brann's controversial…
View on map ↗Rotan-Dosset House · 1978
A native of Tennessee and a Confederate veteran, Edward Rotan (1844-1932) came to Waco in 1867. He became a successful merchant and banker and a civic leader. In 1889-91 he built this house with large halls, wide…
View on map ↗Bosqueville Cemetery · 1979
Burials began here as early as 1850 on 10 acres given by Little Berry White for a school and cemetery. A log schoolhouse at this site in 1853-54 served the Methodist and Baptist Churches as a meeting place. Some of the…
View on map ↗The C. C. McCulloch House · 1979
Waco physician Josiah H.Caldwell (d. 1896) constructed a two-room house and detached kitchen on this site about 1866. Champe Carter McCulloch (1841-1907) purchased the property in 1871. Incorporating the existing…
View on map ↗First Baptist Church of Waco · 1981
Organized in 1851 by the Rev. Noah Byars and charter members, the First Baptist Church of Waco worshipped in the meetinghouse of the First Methodist Church until their own sanctuary was built at fourth and Mary Streets…
View on map ↗Waco Theatre · 1981
Originally a two-story dark brick building with classical detailing, this theatre opened in 1914 as the Hippodrome. Managed by a group of Waco businessmen headed by T.P. Finnegan, it was used for silent movies,…
View on map ↗Alico Building · 1982
Designed and built by Sanguinet & Staats and Roy E. Lane, the 22-story home office of the Amicable Liife Insurance Co. was erected in 1911 as publicity for the new firm. The structure's Beaux Arts styling features rich…
View on map ↗New Hope Baptist Church · 1983
In the years before 1865, some blacks in Waco worshiped at the city's first baptist church. In 1866 the congregation's pastor, Baylor University President Dr. Rufus Burleson with the Rev.S.G. O'Bryan and Dr. Richard…
View on map ↗Second Baptist Church of Waco · 1983
On December 7, 1879, twenty-one members of the New Hope Baptist Church, located on the north side of Waco, organized this congregation to serve the needs of the black community in the southern part of town. Originally…
View on map ↗The Waco Tornado · 1983
One of the most disastrous tornadoes in Texas history swept through downtown Waco on the afternoon of May 11, 1953, killing 114 people, destroying 346 buildings and creating property damage in excess of $50 million.…
View on map ↗…and 68 more Waco markers. Find every one of them on the map in the RoadHistorical app.
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