Bell County history

In 1858 the total population of the county was estimated at 3,801 (782 negroes). Farmers and stock raisers made up the bulk of population.

In 1859 Belton was the only town in the county, having been founded about the time the county was organized, and its population was estimated at three hundred.

Salado, at Salado Springs, was the seat of Salado College, begun in 1860, a flourishing institution of the time, and also of a wool-carding mill run by water power.

To provide the railroad employees with health care, Santa Fe hospital became the city's first hospital in 1891.

Then in 1896, King's Daughters Hospital was established.

Temple Sanitarium began in 1897 and later evolved into Scott & White.

According to the last census, of a total area of 693,120 acres 568,303 acres were occupied by farms and about 348,000 acres were "improved land." There were in 1910 4,915 farms, and many of the large estates are under going subdivision to make room for incoming home seekers.

In this connection the following is taken from the Texas Almanac for 1914: "The breeding of fine hogs, beef cattle, sheep and goats is conducted along with diversified farming, which is extensively practiced and which is the chief occupation in the rural communities.