McLennan County was created in 1850 with Waco, TX founded as an outpost of the Texas Rangers.
Settlement of the Crawford, TX area began in the 1850s with the development of Tonk Crossing, a ford of the Middle Bosque River. The community is believed to be named after Nelson Crawford, who graded the river crossing.
Crawford is well known as the home of President George W. Bush’s Prairie Chapel Ranch at the edge of town.
Our region falls within the largest climate zone in Texas, which is humid subtropical. Warm and mild temperatures are the norm regardless of the time of year.
A traditional rural culture in McLennan County, Texas is experiencing a transition to more of a modern and urban feel with a Texas twist. Quickly becoming the trendy place to be, Crawford, TX features an attractive cost of living as well as a convenient location to Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin, Texas. The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum preserves and exhibits artwork, artifacts and archives relating to the history of the Texas Rangers law enforcement agency. Magnolia Market offers 12,000 square feet of retail space marked by two 120-foot silos built in 1950s. Baylor University, chartered in 1845, is the oldest continuously operating university in Texas, while the Crawford Independent School District serves the educational needs of K-12 students.
Cameron Park is one of the largest municipal parks in the state located near downtown Waco, TX and the Brazos River. This oasis of towering trees, rivers and cliffs also features a zoo as well as national recreation trail system within its 400 acres of space. Additional significant attractions are Armstrong Browning Library, Balcones Distillery, Carleen Bright Arboretum, Dr. Pepper Museum, Lake Waco Wetlands, Texas Sports Hall of Fame and Martin Museum of Art. There are also numerous events and celebrations each year such as 4th on the Brazos, Art on Elm Avenue, Brazos Nights, Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, Deep in the Heart Film Festival, Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo and Westfest.