Downtown
The town of Waco was built around the Waco Suspension Bridge, which was a crucial crossing of the Brazos River upon completion in 1870. Today, Downtown Waco is relatively small when compared to other larger Texas cities, such as Houston, Dallas, San Antonio or even Fort Worth, El Paso or Austin. However, each day nearly 20,000 people commute to and from work in downtown. It is also the location of the McLennan County Courthouse.
In May 1953, the worst tornado in Texas history struck downtown Waco, killing 114 and injuring hundreds. It caused millions of dollars in damage and dented Waco's economy for years after. Downtown Waco is home to the ALICO Building, which was completed in 1910, and was once the tallest structure in the Southwest. Downtown Waco is also the location of the famous Dr Pepper Museum, where Dr Pepper soda was invented.
A scenic Riverwalk along the east and west banks of the Brazos River stretches from the Baylor campus to Cameron Park Zoo, about seven miles in all. This multi-use walking and jogging, lighted trail passes underneath the Waco Suspension Bridge and captures the peaceful charm of the Brazos River.
See also: Neighborhoods of WacoRead more about this topic: Waco, Texas