Historical Marker

Salado

Marker installed: 2009
Marker size: 27" x 42'

Salado was officially established in 1859 when Col. E. S. C. Robertson donated

land for a townsite and for a college. Col. Hermon Aiken drew a plat for the

town, which developed along its main street. However, there had been activity

here long before this time, as Native Americans and Spanish Explorers, among

others, came through the spring-fed land. The explorers used the term salado,

meaning salty, in referring to this area, likely confusing Salado Creek and the

Lampasas River. By 1852, a post office opened to serve a growing community on

the Burney and Blair Stage Line from Austin to Waco. Several hotels opened in

the settlement, including the Salado Hotel.

By the 1860s, Salado developed a thriving economy based on farming ranching,

milling, mineral baths, and education. Salado College opened in 1860,

attracting many individuals to the growing community. Additional schools were

built, including Thomas Arnold High School, which was established by Dr. Samuel

Jones, and a school on land donated by W. K. Hamblen, which closed in 1969 and

became a community center. In 1873, the first Texas branch of the Grange, a

national fraternal agrarian order, opened in Salado. Salado hosted Bell

countys first Agricultural Fair that same year; the fair moved to Belton in

1876. By the 1890s, several churched had also organized in Salado.

Salado became a virtual ghost town in the early decades of the 20th century;

the population was around 250 in 1950, but since that time, Salado has

experienced continued growth. Revitalization occurred when retirees moved here

and with promotion of the arts. In 2000, Salado again incorporated, and today

remains a viable community into the 21st century. (2009)

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.

Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The Johnson Space Center, located in Houston, played a crucial role in the development of the U.S. space program. It was here that NASA trained its astronauts and mission control teams, and it continues to be an important center for space research and exploration today.
Texas random facts
Bell County, located in central Texas, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa, Lipan Apache, and Comanche. European settlers began arriving in the early 19th century, with the first permanent settlement established in 1850 by Thomas M. Bigham, who built a log cabin near the Lampasas River.

The county was officially established in 1850 and named after Governor Peter H. Bell. It quickly grew as more settlers arrived to take advantage of the fertile land and abundant natural resources. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became the primary industry in the region, with the first cotton gin built in 1853. The county also became an important shipping point due to its proximity to the Chisholm Trail, which was used to drive cattle to markets in the north.

During the Civil War, Bell County played a significant role in supporting the Confederate cause. Several Confederate camps were established in the area, and the county experienced some military action, including the Battle of Stampede Valley in 1863. After the war, the county began to recover and diversify its economy. The railroad arrived in the late 19th century, bringing further growth and development.

In the 20th century, Bell County continued to experience growth and modernization. Fort Hood, one of the largest military installations in the country, was established in 1942. The presence of the military base provided a significant economic boost to the county and continues to be a major employer and contributor to the local economy. Today, Bell County is a thriving community with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, education, and military-related industries.

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

  • 1834 - Bell County is established by the Republic of Texas
  • 1850 - The first permanent settlement, known as Nolanville, is established
  • 1851 - A post office is established in the town of Belton
  • 1852 - The county seat is moved from Nolanville to Belton
  • 1858 - The Belton Female College is founded
  • 1861-1865 - Bell County is heavily impacted by the American Civil War
  • 1870 - The Houston and Texas Central Railway arrives in Bell County, boosting economic growth
  • 1881 - The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor is founded in Belton
  • 1892 - The town of Temple is established as a railroad town
  • 1913 - The Santa Fe Railroad builds a major railroad station in Temple
  • 1920s - Bell County experiences an oil boom
  • 1957 - Construction begins on the Fort Hood military base
  • 1980s - Bell County's economy diversifies with the growth of healthcare and technology industries
  • 2005 - The Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery is established in Killeen