Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum
In 1823, Stephen F. Austin
formed the legendary Texas Rangers-the oldest state law enforcement
agency in the nation-to protect the Texas frontier, and created an
organization of mythic proportion in the process. From policing the
Wild West to nabbing Bonnie and Clyde, the Rangers have been the
elite force of Texas law and order. With their trademark cowboy
hats, denim jeans, and silver star badges, the Texas Rangers form
an enduring symbol of Texas and the American West.
The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum is dedicated to the
history and lore of these important officers. Located on the banks
of the Brazos, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum makes the
perfect setting for a relaxing lunchtime picnic on the grounds
followed by an afternoon exploring the exhibits. With the largest
collection of Ranger artifacts, including some dating back to their
Spanish and Mexican origins, the museum paints a clear picture of
Ranger history. The Hall of Fame memorializes Texas Rangers who
gave their lives in the line of duty or served with great
distinction. 
And the Texas Ranger
Research Center aims to preserve and archive important information
about specific Rangers. With a scheduled appointment, visitors can
research possible family ties to the lawmen. Genealogy buffs find
the research material to be a treasure trove of information and
love the thrill of discovery when family connections prove true.
For more information call 254.750.8631.
Waco Suspension Bridge
In 1870, Waco's historic
Suspension Bridge became the first suspension bridge west of the
Mississippi, providing the only span across the Brazos River for
wagons, cowboys, and cattle on the Shawnee and Chisholm Trails. To
pay for the almost three million bricks required to build the
bridge, the city charged a toll to all the cowboys and locals who
needed an easy way across the river. With the arrival of the
railroad in 1871, visitors to Waco increased even more, and the
bridge paid for itself many times over. Today, the bridge stands as
an icon of Waco's history as a flourishing trade center of the Old
West. www.wacocvb.com