Waco, Texas

About

Waco is a city located in the county of McLennan in the U.S. state of Texas. Its population at the 2010 census was 124,805 and a population density of 476 people per km². After 10 years in 2020 city had an estimated population of 141,377 inhabitants.

The city was created 175 years ago in 1848.

Waco was founded in 1849 and quickly became a key trading hub for the Chisholm Trail cattle drivers. The Suspension Bridge across the Brazos River was built in 1870, further cementing Waco's importance for trade and travel.

Waco's location along the river brought industrial growth in the late 1800s. Cotton mills, railroad shops and other factories opened. Baylor University relocated to Waco in 1886, lending an educational influence.

Key Facts About Modern Waco

Here are some important details about today's Waco:

• Population: Approximately 135,000 residents as of 2019. Waco is the 22nd largest city in Texas.
• Economy: Major employers today include Baylor University and the Waco Independent School District, Providence Healthcare Network, Sanderson Farms, and the various businesses along Interstate 35.
• Attractions: Popular sites include the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, the Waco Suspension Bridge, Cameron Park Zoo, the Dr Pepper Museum, and Magnolia Market at the Silos.
• Neighborhoods: Notable areas include Downtown, East Waco, North Waco, South Waco, China Spring and Woodway. Each has its own local culture.
• Recreation: Waco offers hiking at Cameron Park, boating and fishing on the Brazos River, and many youth and amateur sports leagues.

With its small-town feel and funky local businesses, Waco has developed its own unique identity that draws visitors from across Texas and beyond.

Quick Facts about Waco

WacoCity image

Geography

Waco is located at 31°32'58"N 97°8'48"W (31.5493300, -97.1466700).

Waco map

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People born in Waco, including actress and singer-songwriter Jennifer Love Hewitt, music producer Symbolyc One, singer, actress, dancer Ashlee Simpson, .

List

• Sandra Brown (American novelist) she was born in 12/03/1948
• Corinne Griffith (American actress, film producer, author (1894-1979)) she was born in 21/11/1894
• C. Wright Mills (American sociologist) he was born in 28/08/1916
• Floyd Patterson (American boxer) he was born in 04/01/1935
• Pete Sessions (American politician) he was born in 22/03/1955
• Peri Gilpin (American actress) she was born in 27/05/1961
• Eddie Bernice Johnson (American politician) she was born in 03/12/1935
• Kevin Reynolds (American film director and screenwriter) he was born in 17/01/1952
• Kari Jobe (American Christian music singer-songwriter) she was born in 06/04/1981
• Travis Banton (American fashion designer) he was born in 18/08/1894
• Robert Wilson (American avant-garde stage director and playwright) he was born in 04/10/1941
• Roy Hargrove (American jazz trumpeter) he was born in 16/10/1969
• Doris Miller (first African American to be awarded the Navy Cross) he was born in 12/10/1919
• Hank Thompson (American country musician) he was born in 03/09/1925
• Austan Goolsbee (American economist) he was born in 18/08/1969
• George C. McGhee (American diplomat) he was born in 10/03/1912
• Bill Payne (American musician) he was born in 12/03/1949
• Billy Williams (African-American singer) he was born in 28/12/1910

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