Historical Marker

William Cameron Park

Historical marker location:
1791 North University Parks Drive, Waco, Texas
( 1791 North University Parks Drive)
Marker installed: 2011
Marker size: 27" x 42"

IN 1910, THE FAMILY OF WILLIAM CAMERON DONATED LAND AND FUNDS TO HONOR THE PROMINENT LUMBER BUSINESSMAN AND CIVIC LEADER WHO DIED IN 1899. THE ORIGINAL 125 ACRE PUBLIC PARK INCLUDED THE POPULAR PROCTOR SPRINGS AREA ON THE WEST BANK OF THE BRAZOS RIVER. ABOUT 15,000 PEOPLE, MORE THAN HALF OF WACO’S POPULATION, ATTENDED THE DEDICATION, WITH MASTER OF CEREMONIES DR. SAMUEL PALMER BROOKS READING A RESOLUTION “EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION AND INDEBTEDNESS OF WACOANS TO THE CAMERON FAMILY FOR THEIR GENEROUS GIFT.” PUBLIC DEMAND FOR RECREATIONAL AREAS IN URBAN SETTINGS WAS A MAJOR FEATURE OF THE CITY BEAUTIFUL MOVEMENT, A PART OF THE PROGRESSIVE ERA IN THE U. S. IN THE EARLY 1900s.

OVER THE YEARS, THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HAS BALANCED PARK DEVELOPMENT WITH PRESERVATION OF ITS NATURAL BEAUTY. POPULAR ACTIVITIES HAVE INCLUDED PICNICS, PARTIES, SPORTS, MEETINGS, MUSIC, AND STROLLING OR DRIVING AMONG THE SCENIC PATHS AND WOODED AREAS. THE CAMERON FAMILY MADE ADDITIONAL GIFTS TO EXPAND THE PARK TO ITS PRESENT 416 ACRES, MAKING IT ONE OF THE LARGEST AND MOST TOPOGRAPHICALLY DIVERSE MUNICIPAL PARKS IN TEXAS. THE BEAUTIFUL BLUFF KNOWN AS LOVERS’ LEAP PROVIDES GRAND VISTAS OF THE BRAZOS AND BOSQUE RIVER VALLEYS. AFTER A LONG PERIOD OF DECLINE, EFFORTS TO REVITALIZE THE PARK BEGAN IN 1985 FOR THE PARK’S 75TH ANNIVERSARY. IMPROVEMENTS HAVE INCLUDED THE OPENING OF CAMERON PARK ZOO (1993) AND AN EXPANDED HIKING AND BIKING TRAIL SYSTEM. A RESURGENCE OF SUPPORT CLIMAXED IN A SUCCESSFUL MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR BOND ELECTION. THE FIRST PHASE ENDED IN 2010, IN TIME FOR THE PARK’S CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. TRUE TO ITS FOUNDERS’ INTENTIONS TO CREATE A PARK “FOR THE PLEASURE OF THE PEOPLE,” WILLIAM CAMERON PARK IS ONCE MORE A VITAL PART OF COMMUNITY LIFE, PROVIDING RECREATION FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

Parks
The city of Austin, the state capital, is known as the live music capital of the world. It is home to many music festivals, including South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Austin City Limits Music Festival.
Texas random facts
McLennan County, located in central Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early Native American tribes who inhabited the area. The first European explorers and settlers arrived in the late 1600s, primarily Spanish explorers searching for new lands and resources in Texas. In the early 19th century, Anglo-American settlers began to arrive, and the area soon became part of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas.

The county was officially established in 1850, named after Neil McLennan, a Scottish settler who played a significant role in the colonization of the region. The county's initial economy was primarily agricultural, with cotton, corn, and livestock becoming major industries. In 1870, the completion of the Waco Suspension Bridge, one of the first bridges to span the Brazos River, bolstered the county's growth and connected it to the expanding railroad network.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, McLennan County experienced periods of rapid growth and development. The city of Waco, the county seat, became a prosperous center for commerce, education, and culture. With the establishment of Baylor University in 1845 and the creation of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in 1968, Waco gained a reputation as an educational and historical hub. The county also played a significant role in the development of the Texas oil industry, as numerous oil fields were discovered and exploited in the early 20th century.

Despite its prosperous history, McLennan County faced challenges as well. It witnessed racial tensions and violence, particularly during the Civil Rights era. One of the county's most infamous events occurred in 1993 when an armed standoff between federal agents and the Branch Davidians religious sect resulted in a tragic fire at their compound near Waco, leaving many dead. However, the county has shown resilience, with ongoing efforts to address social issues and promote economic development, making it a vibrant and evolving community.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of McLennan County, Texas.

  • 1837 - McLennan County is established as a county of the Republic of Texas
  • 1849 - Waco, the county seat, is founded
  • 1860s - McLennan County experiences rapid growth with the expansion of the cattle industry and arrival of the railroad
  • 1874 - Baylor University is relocated to Waco
  • 1886 - The Texas Cotton Palace Exposition is held in Waco to showcase the county's cotton industry
  • 1916 - A tornado devastates downtown Waco, causing significant damage and loss of life
  • 1930s - McLennan County suffers during the Great Depression, but also sees some economic improvements through New Deal programs
  • 1951 - The Waco VA Hospital is established, providing medical care for veterans
  • 1993 - The Branch Davidian standoff occurs in Waco, resulting in a tragic fire and loss of life
  • 2015 - McLennan County celebrates its 150th anniversary