Historical Marker

Rotan Drive

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

RUNNING ALONG THE WEST BANK OF THE BRAZOS RIVER, ROTAN DRIVE DEVELOPED IN 1914 AS A MAJOR NEW ACCESS TO WILLIAM CAMERON PARK. BEAUTIFICATION OF LAND FRONTING PROMINENT WATERWAYS WAS A MAJOR EMPHASIS OF THE CITY BEAUTIFUL MOVEMENT. THE CREATION OF WILLIAM CAMERON PARK IN 1910 LED TO PLANS FOR A SCENIC ROADWAY TO LINK THE PARK TO WACO’S DOWNTOWN BUSINESS AND RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS. A SERIES OF LOW WATER DAMS ALONG THE BRAZOS WERE ALSO PLANNED FOR NAVIGATION AND A PUBLIC WATERFRONT. THE NEW ROAD, ALSO KNOWN AS RIVERSIDE DRIVE, WAS PLANNED AS A GRAND BOULEVARD.

IN 1913 W. R. ORMAN DONATED TO THE CITY OF WACO A 590-FOOT STRIP OF LAND BORDERING THE WASHINGTON STREET BRIDGE. KATE S. M. ROTAN THEN SPENT A YEAR ACQUIRING ADDITIONAL LAND AND DONATING IT TO THE CITY. ROTAN INSPIRED OTHER PROMINENT WOMEN TO RAISE MONEY AND LOBBY FOR THE CAUSE. AFTER THE DONATIONS, THE CITY OF WACO CONDEMNED THREE REMAINING LOTS TO CREATE A CONNECTED PROPERTY FROM WASHINGTON STREET TO WILLIAM CAMERON PARK. ROAD CONSTRUCTION BEGAN IN APRIL 1914, AND CITIZENS BEGAN TO TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE BY DRIVING AND WALKING ALONG COMPLETED SECTIONS. AFTER ALMOST A YEAR OF CONSTRUCTION, A DEDICATION CEREMONY INCLUDING A RED BRICK GATEWAY PLACED THE NEW ROAD UNDER DIRECT SUPERVISION OF THE PARK BOARD. WITHIN A FEW YEARS, ROTAN DRIVE EXTENDED INTO THE PARK TO LOVER’S LEAP. THE ROADWAY RECEIVED WIDESPREAD ACCLAIM IN TRAVEL ARTICLES IN JOURNALS, NEWSPAPERS, AND THE WPA FEDERAL GUIDE TEXAS: A GUIDE TO THE LONE STAR STATE (1940). THIS BUSY STREET, NOW DESIGNATED AS PART OF NORTH UNIVERSITY PARKS DRIVE, IS AN IMPORTANT AND HISTORICAL THOROUGHFARE AND STILL SERVES AS A MAIN ROUTE AND ENTRY POINT TO THE PARK AND ITS RECREATIONAL AMENITIES

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.

roads parks
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
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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