Historical Marker

Site of Waco Boating and Fishing Club

Historical marker location:
7901 Old Fish Pond Road, Waco, Texas
( 7901 Old Fish Pond Road, Waco)
Marker installed: 2000
Marker size: 27" x 42"

On January 10, 1890, a small group of prominent Waco citizens gathered at the McLennan County courthouse. According to the minutes of that first meeting, they had come together "for the purpose of establishing a boating and fishing club." The organization obtained a state charter a month later. The club originally was comprised of fifty members, each of whom purchased stock in the new venture. Tom Padgitt was elected first president of the club, Otis W. David served as secretary, and W. W. Seley was elected treasurer.

Members of the club immediately began looking for property on which to establish their headquarters. They soon purchased 50 acres of land five miles west of the city and just north of the road leading from Waco to Crawford for $2,000. In March 1890, the board authorized construction of a dam and proper development of a lake. An artesian well was drilled in 1892, and the lake was stocked with fish. Members of the club voted to name the site "Fountain Lake" and built a boat house on the east shore of the lake. Reports of club activities regularly appeared in a local society newsletter called Artesia. By the turn of the 20th century, the organization was commonly known as the "Fish Pond Club" and the term "Fish Pond" soon replaced the earlier adopted "Fountain Lake." The club's facilities became a fashionable social gathering place and were used by members and non-members alike. Soon the road leading to the site was named Fish Pond Road and the surrounding area gradually took on the popular name, as well. The nearby Ridgewood Country Club purchased the property in 1985, and the Waco Boating and Fishing Club officially dissolved in 1988. At the beginning of the 21st century the old fish pond site became part of a new residential development. (2000)

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.

fraternal organizations
The Alamo, a mission in San Antonio, is perhaps the most famous historical site in Texas. It was the site of a key battle during the Texas Revolution in 1836.
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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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