Welcome!

Welcome to the website for the McLennan County Historical Commission!

This commission was created to provide leadership and coordinating services in the field of archeological, historical, and cultural preservation focusing on McLennan County, Texas.

We are charged with the duty of implementing and maintaining programs, services and projects aimed at promoting, restoring, and preserving historically significant information, structures, sites, and landmarks in this county.

We welcome your interest and invite you to learn more about our programs.

The Latest

Ranger museum director rides into sunset

The Texas Rangers, the Lone Star State’s iconic law enforcement organization, celebrated their 200th anniversary in 2023. For a notable part of that time, 28 years, Byron Johnson has headed the museum preserving their history. Johnson closes out his chapter as director of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum this month, choosing to…

Read More

Torrey Trading Post – Waco: A Gateway to Texas History

Nestled in the heart of frontier Texas, Torrey’s Trading Post #2 was more than just a hub for commerce; it was a crossroads of cultures, a symbol of peace, and a catalyst for the growth of Waco and its surrounding regions. This historic trading post, established in the early 1840s near Tehuacana Creek, played a…

Read More

Katy Park Revisited

Katy Ballpark in Waco, Texas, holds a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. Originally established in 1905, the ballpark became a central hub for minor league baseball in Waco, hosting various teams over the decades, including the Waco Pirates. The Pirates, a notable team in the Big State League, brought excitement…

Read More

Upcoming Events

Celebrating 175 Years of Waco: A Fusion of Flavors and Culture

Friday 9/6/2024 @ 6 - 10 pm

Texas Music Cafe
110 S 6th St, Waco, TX 76701

Get Directions


Learn More | Buy Tickets

Waco's 175th Anniversary Scavenger Hunt

Saturday 9/7/2024 @ 8:30 - 10 am

Downtown Waco Farmer's Market
500 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701

Get Directions


Learn More
1873 Bird's Eye View of Waco, TX
The Crash at Crush: On September 15, 1896, two locomotives hit each other at full speed as a publicity stunt in the newly created "town" of Crush, Texas, in McLennan County.
The Waco Tornado: Still one of the deadliest tornadoes on record, the Waco Tornado ripped through Waco on May 11, 1953, taking 114 lives. Image courtesy The Texas Collection, Baylor University.
The Historic Waco Suspension Bridge shown here as it looked.
Historic McLennan County Courthouse

Go Out & explore mcLennan county's historical treasures!

Using the power of history to transform lives.

Preserving - Sharing - Connecting