Waco’s Latino History far predates the city itself. The land of Central Texas once belonged to the Spanish empire, and then Mexico, until Texas fought for its independence in 1836. After almost another decade of struggle, Texas joined the United States and started down the path to becoming to Latino-Anglo melting pot it is today. Before long, a Spanish immigrant by the name of Jacob de Cordova came to town and officially founded the city of Waco. Ever since, for over a century, the Latino…

It may be said that all history is women’s history, and the history of Waco is no exception. Indigenous women populated this area along the Brazos before European settlers arrived. At its founding, women like Mrs. Sophia St. John contributed land that would become part of Waco. Additionally, Rebecca de Cordova, wife of early settler Jacob de Cordova, suggested the name Lamartine for the village. Since then, women with connections to Waco have served as politicians, educators, and…

On May 11, 1953, a destructive force tore through Waco and forever altered the face of the city. The tornado injured 600 people, took 114 lives, and damaged hundreds of businesses. Around 4:30, a tornado touched down southwest of Waco and tore through residential areas. At 4:36, it struck downtown Waco. The F-5 tornado cut a swath nearly one-third of a mile wide with winds up to 260 miles per hour. After tearing through downtown, it exited the city and continued northeast for several more miles.…

Chartered in 1856, Waco began as a tiny frontier town on the banks of a river which was often too volatile to cross. Despite its dangers, the river served as an ideal water source for farming. The cotton industry developed as farmers realized the potential of the fertile soil in the area resulting from the intersection of the Blackland and Grand Prairies. The opening of the longest suspension bridge west of the Mississippi River in 1870 and arrival of the railroad facilitated trade, leading to…

Providing a constant water supply, means of transportation, and fertile farming ground, but also serving as a site of frequent flooding, the Brazos River shaped the story of the communities which grew upon its banks. Throughout history, it has proven a constant thread in the life of Waco. Though it benefited local farmers such as the Waco Indians and subsequent white cotton planters, the river hindered merchants in the late nineteenth century who possessed no means of crossing the often volatile…