Mapping the History, Mapping the Change:
Significant Stories in Waco History Reflected through Maps
2024 marks the 175th anniversary of Waco, Texas. Over these many years, various levels of government, Waco citizens, and significant events have shaped the city into what it is today. Key events include the 1953 tornado that devastated downtown, the Urban Renewal Project of the 1960s and early 1970s, and the construction of Interstate 35 through the middle of town. One constant in Waco since 1886 has been Baylor University, which has also adapted and grown with the city. In this exhibit, maps from The Texas Collection & University Archives illustrate how Waco’s landscape, its population, and Baylor University evolved throughout the 20th century.
Mapping the History, Mapping the Change:
Texas Blue Print & Engineering Co Mapped Waco
In 1900, Waco was the sixth largest population center in Texas with a total of 20,686 people living in the city. The cotton market and railroads played a huge role in the city's booming economy in the early 20th century, and by 1930 the population catapulted to 53,848.
Gardiner G. Lennard Compiled Campus Map
In 1938, the enrollment at Baylor was 2,100 students. The campus stretched only between Speight and Dutton and between 5th and 7th Streets.
City of Waco, Texas Urban Renewal Project
Following the tornado, the city of Waco began planning for numerous Urban Renewal Projects. Early planning included updates for areas in the heart of downtown and near Baylor University.
Waco, Texas and environs
With a population of 95,000, the bustling city was in need of upgrades which came with the implementation of over ten Urban renewal projects in the waning downtown areas. As the population of Waco continued to grow, so did Baylor University.
Existing neighborhood zoning plan : Baylor Project 1-A / Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Waco
The first phase of the Waco Urban Renewal Project centered around the neighborhoods surrounding Baylor University in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The proposed project and zoning boundaries are shown in the map. Zoning included residential, commercial, and industrial use.
Insurance map prepared for Baylor University, Waco, Texas / a service of Fitzhugh & Co. Insurance.
This 1966 Baylor campus map provides a snapshot of campus buildings just before more construction took place after Urban Renewal.
Hal E. Stringer, Architect, Developed a Campus Master Plan
After the Urban Renewal Project and new space dedicated to the growth of Baylor University, there were many options on how campus development would occur. This campus master plan presents some of these options.
Baylor University Waco Creek Development, 1965-1975
Following the Urban Renewal Project, development of the Waco Creek through the heart of Baylor's campus was one of the first beautification projects.