McLennan County history

Texans declared their independence from Mexico in 1836 at the settlement of Washington-on-the-Brazos.

Established in 1837, the General Land Office consists of land grant records and maps dating to the 18th century relating to the passage of Texas public lands to private ownership.

McLennan County was established by the Texas legislature on January 22, 1850, and named for Neil McLennan, one of the early settlers.

The completion of the Waco Suspension Bridge in 1870 provided a reliable means of crossing the Brazos River and made Waco a major center for trade.

The Waco and Northwestern Railroad passed through Waco in 1872, laying track from Bremond to Ross and thereby giving McLennan County access to markets through the Houston and Texas Central.

Later its economy was based almost exclusively on cotton, and the coming of the railroad (1881) stimulated economic growth.

Built in 1901, the McLennan County Courthouse holds pride of place within Waco as not only a functioning center of justice but also the city’s most impressive civic building.

Lake Waco, formed in 1923 by damming the Bosque River, is a recreational spot just west of the city.

The McLennan County Map Department was created in the early 1930's as part of the government assistance programs under President Herbert Hoover.

A violent tornado devastated Waco on May 11, 1953, killing 114 people.

Furthermore, the first live televised murder trial took place in the building in December of 1955, when Judge D. W. Bartlett allowed local station KWTX-TV to film the proceedings of the Harry L. Washburn trial in the 54th State District Court.

Located in Waco, Texas, McLennan was established in 1965 by the citizens of McLennan County.