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Salado
A Jewel in the
Crown of Texas
History | Chamber
Attractions | Entertainment | Museums | Gardens | Churches
Wineries/Breweries | Festivals | Accommodations | Restaurants | Shopping | Sports
Culture | Geography | Gold Nuggets | Jargon Jewel
The town was named for Salado (salty) Creek. Salado creek was a watering stop for many Indian tribes and a campground to the Tonkawa tribe. Salado Creek has enticed settlers as well as treasure hunters searching for rumored "buried Spanish Gold." The village was a main water-stop for the Chisholm Trail cattle drives and was a welcomed Stagecoach stop. Baptisms in the creek were commonplace in the 19th Century for all of the old Salado congregations.
There were many great cattle drives from 1866 to 1885 as Salado was situated on a feeder trail of the famous Chisholm Trail. The giant herds came right through the heart of town and crossed the Salado Creek at the big boiling spring, just below the present highway bridge.
Salado grew around the Colonel E. Sterling C. Robertson home and plantation, and was incorporated in 1867 with Judge O. T. Tyler elected the first Mayor. The town prospered with the founding of Salado College in 1860, and was prominent on the Chisholm Trail. The first farmer's Grange in Texas established 1873, but was by-passed by the railroad, the late 19th Century's ultimate mode of transportation. When the college closed, the town dwindled to the status of an enchanting village.
In 1870, temperance was put to the test, and temperance was the victor. The entire Bell County became "Wet," and this included Salado. Before you know it, a man opened a saloon. The city fathers talked, pleaded, and demanded that the saloon-keeper leave but to no avail. According to popular legend, when all attempts to close the saloon failed, six women who met weekly in a Mother's Prayer meeting, met, prayed, and decided on a plan to close the saloon. They knew the man had a legal right to a saloon in Salado, but they also knew if he couldn't get any customers, he would have to leave. They worked in sets of two, each set working a shift. Two at a time, from daylight to midnight, they sat in the saloon with their knitting. No man or boy came in to buy a drink as long as they were there. After one day's vigil, the saloon-keeper closed his doors, and there hasn't been another such den in Salado since. (From "The History of Bell County" by George W. Tyler)
Salado Chamber of Commerce
511 Main Street
Salado, TX 76571
Tel: 254-947-5040
www.salado.com
Salado Creek
Texas first designated first Natural Landmark by the Texas Historical Society. This award was given only to natural landmarks that are identified with the broad cultural, political, economic, military, or social history of Texas. Site of the first suspension bridge built in Texas, and you can still see signs of active commerce by the wagon wheel impressions in certain areas along the creek bed. Part of the Edward's Aquifer, one of the major limestone aquifers in the country, and the only major supply of water in Texas that requires no advance treatment. Includes Pace Park which is a tree shaded picnic area beside the picturesque creek, and the site was an Indian campground long before recorded history.
Sirena, A Bronze Mermaid in Salado Creek
The springs of Salado Creek flow with Sirena's tears. Sirena has graced the banks of Salado Creek since January 1, 1986, when she was dedicated by Salado artist Troy Kelly to the village of Salado and its children. Kelly, who sculpted the bronze statue of Sirena, recalls that his grandmother told him of the legend of Sirena. Kelly said, "When I first laid eyes on Salado Creek, I instantly knew it would be Sirena's home." This life-size sculpture depicts the moment when Sirena is removing the hook from her fin. According to the Indian story, there was an Indian maiden who yearned day and night for the love of one special warrior. But alas, the warrior would not return her affection. And the maiden, through tears in her eyes, began to lament her unrequited love as she combed her long hair and looked at her reflection in the creek. One afternoon, a magical catfish, being a curious sort, surfaced in the shallows near the maiden and inquired as to her sadness. Sirena tearfully shared her troubles. Twitching his whiskers with anticipation, the old catfish promised to cast a love spell on the warrior if the maiden would agree to become a mermaid one night a month during the full moon for one year. The magical catfish said, "For the love of your warrior, you must agree to share your love with me. But if at any time, human eyes ever see you in mermaid form, you will remain a mermaid forever." The lovesick maiden eagerly agreed to the terms. The spell was cast and the warrior and maiden were soon wed. The maiden was true to her word. Every full moon, she quietly and secretly left her husband's side and tiptoed in the quiet of the night into the creek and was transformed into Sirena, a mermaid and shared her love with the old magical catfish. On the last full moon of the year, she caught a fish hook in her fin. To remove it, she sat upon a rock well lit by the full moon. Her warrior husband awoke to find her missing. Knowing her love for the magical creek, the warrior crept down to the water. There was Sirena still sitting on the rock trying without success to remove the painful fish hook. Their eyes meet in the moonlight, and he called her name, "Sirena." At that moment, the old catfish pulled her back into the deep cold water to remain a mermaid forever. A love that was given and a love that was lost.
Stillhouse Hollow Lake / Dam / Marina
Hike a nature trail at Chalk Ridge Falls, cross the suspension bridge, cool off in the waterfall and hunt for fool's gold. Tour the marina and enjoy a sailboat ride. Stillhouse Lake is one of the cleanest lakes in Texas. Originally built in the 1960's and completed in 1968, Stillhouse Hollow Dam and lake were formed as part of a chain of lakes created to alleviate flooding in the Brazos River basin. The lake covers about 6,430 acres. Campers are encouraged to take advantage of the National Recreation Reservation Service, which allows campers to reserve the Army Corps of Engineers or National Forest System campsite of their choice in advance either by phone or internet: 877-444-6777 or 877-444-NRRS,
ReserveUSA.com. Memorial Day weekend is the lake's busiest of the year.
National Register of Historic Homes
Eighteen listings
Robertson Plantation - Colonel E. Sterling C. Robertson built this 22 room, Classic-Revival plantation in the 1850's.
Dr. B. D. McKie's home - McKie built this home in 1867 which consisted of 15 rooms, six fireplaces, and 22 inch thick walls.
Tyler House - House owned by Salado's first mayor, Judge O. T. Tyler built in 1857.
Barton House - Built by Dr. Welborn Barton
Mills on Salado Creek
Ferguson's Mill - The oldest mill on Salado creek was. It was built by Ira E. and Whitefield Chalk in 1849 or 1850.
Davis Mills - In 1866, Mr. W. A. Davis, formerly of Round Rock, built a mill and dam on Salado creek. Davis Mills had wool carding machinery and machinery for grinding grain and ginning cotton. The Historical Marker states that Davis never charged a widow for grinding her corn into meal.
Summer's Mill - John Meyers erected this mill in 1866 located on Salado Creek northeast of the village.
Salado College Ruins
A bronze statue of Colonel E. Sterling C. Robertson graces the ruins of Salado College as a tribute to the man who gave the land to establish Salado College. The ruins are all that remains of the frontier college that he founded. Robertson donated the land for the village of Salado and Salado College at a tent meeting in October 1859. After the college closed completely, the old building was used as a public school, and a fine prep-style school, Thomas Arnold High School, operated from 1890-1913. It was abandoned in 1924 after three disastrous fires and two rebuildings. The Salado Historical Society along with the Texas Historical Commission began phases of the stabilization of the old rock ruins of the college building. On July 4, 1989, a new cornerstone was laid by the Grand Master of the Grand Masonic Lodge of Texas recreating the original Masonic ceremony on July 4, 1860.
Campbell Branch "Rock Creek"
Rittenhouse Square
Good Time Carriage Rides
Contact Richard Curtis
254-771-2839
Rides nightly weather permitting; Located at the Salado Mansion.
Tablerock Goodnight Amphitheater
Royal Street, Salado, TX
254-947-9205
Named for a large limestone monolith located at a curve on Salado Creek. This large stone, once level, was first a meeting place for Native Americans and Salado settlers. A flood in 1921 caused Tablerock to tilt, but its fame as a meeting place still remains.
Since 1992, Tablerock's Goodnight Amphitheater is where history, legend, and memories meet in the presentation of "Salado Legends." This epic historical musical-drama was honored in the United States Congressional Record by Chet Edwards of Texas for "bringing to life the history of Central Texas pioneers through song, dance, and story." In May of 2000, Chet Edwards announced that the outdoor drama "Salado Legends" would represent the State of Texas in the Library of Congress Local Legacies Project for the Bicentennial celebration in Washington, D.C. "Salado Legends" is one of five outdoor dramas in the United States to be honored by their congressmen or senator and the Library of Congress. This play, written by Salado author and playwright Jackie Mills, has the special blend of history and dialogue that ensures pleasure for the whole family. Relive the history of the settling of Salado by Indians and settlers of Scottish descent. One of the original songs, "Be Careful What You Wish For" by Rick Ford, weaves the legends of the Tonkawa Indians, the dreams of the Spanish explorers, and the hopes of the Scottish settlers into a panoramic tale. For the 2000 season, cast and crew members number 183 people and range in ages two years to 88 years. Groups involved in the production include Dave Jackson, a Native American from Oklahoma, who will perform a mystical, spiritual dance portraying the Tonkawa Indian legend of origin; The Texas Volunteer Militia (Confederate), The Third Arkansas Calvary (Union) reenactment troops, and The Salado Creekside Cloggers. 2000 performance dates are July 22, July 29, and August 5th. Showtime is 8:15 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Dinner is 7:15 p.m., $6, Adult or Child. Reservations for dinner are required. The drama is always staged on the last two Saturdays in July and the first Saturday in August.
Goodnight Amphitheater
254-947-9205
Presents "A Christmas Carol" on the first two Fridays and Saturdays in December; Harry Sweet's stage adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic tale. The Christmas season is not complete without witnessing Ebeneezer Scrooge's "Bah, Humbug" transformation, and brushing away a tear when Tiny Tim warms your heart with "God bless us, every one."
Central Texas Area Museum
254-947-5232
Showcase of local history; Includes the Scots Hall of the Clans; Located across from The Stagecoach Inn.
Pace Park
Giant oaks in the heart of the village.
Salado United Methodist Church
Only original church still in use by a Salado congregation; Organized in 1854 at a camp meeting on Salado Creek about three to four miles downstream from its present location. In 1890, the Methodist congregation built their own church.
Salado Creek Brewing Company
Salado Art Fair
August
Salado Family Festival and Duck Race
October
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Tablerock Music Festival
October
Began in 1979; Designed to promote the arts in Central Texas.
Christmas in October
Proceeds from the event are used to benefit the Village of Salado in beautification projects and other worthy causes.
Fright Nights at Tablerock
Halloween
Scottish Gathering of the Clans
November
254-947-5232
Salado Christmas Stroll
December
Stagecoach Inn
1 Main (I-35)
Salado, TX 76571
254-947-5111
"A silent, knowing witness to a bygone era" - Originally, The Salado Hotel and Shady Villa Inn; Built in 1860 by Thomas Jefferson Eubanks; Prominent site on the Chisholm Trail in the 19th Century. The inn's guest book includes General George Custer, Robert E. Lee, Sam Houston, Jesse James, and Shanghai Pierce. The primary old frame structure is today restored as a notable restaurant surrounded by an inn.
The Salado Mansion
Main Street, Salado, TX 76571
254-947-5157
Serving Classic Mexican and Southwestern Cuisine; Located in the Historic Tyler House built in 1857.
Stroll along the unique shops full of antiques, art, crafts, gifts, etc.
High School: Salado Eagles
Mill Creek
Mill Creek's signature Number 3 green is called The Heart of Texas. It began as a dream of Hugh (Mac) Sherrill. Sherrill fell in love with Salado in the 1930's when he would visit friends who owned Twelve Oaks. He vowed that someday, he would do something special in Salado. He dreamed of transforming the natural beauty of the area along Salado Creek into a first class neighborhood and golf course resort filled with beautiful homes to match the terrain.
Many of the settlers were of Scottish decent.
Altitude of 695
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As the story goes, there was a time when the smell of moonshine wafting on the Central Texas breeze gave visitors a clear answer to questions about how Stillhouse Hollow was named. A gallon of giggle juice was said to go for 10 cents a gallon. The stills are long gone and much of the land where they percolated are under the waters of Stillhouse Hollow Lake. |
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One of Salado College's first students went on to become the first female governor of Texas, Miriam Amanda Wallace "Ma" Ferguson.
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George Washington Baines taught at Salado College. His grandson, Lyndon Baines Johnson, became the 36th President of the United States in 1963-1969.
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Many of the men who founded Salado were Masons. The Salado Masonic Lodge #296 met in the upstairs portion of the First Baptist Church Sanctuary. In 1858, the top half was literally sawed away and moved to its present location on Church Street. Steeped in history, the Salado Masonic lodge is still a "moon lodge," meeting on the Monday on or before the full moon. Before electricity and automobiles with headlights, Masonic lodges met during the full moon to have moonlight by which to guide their way home.
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We are all travelers in the wilderness of this world, and the best we can find in our travels is an honest friend.
--Robert Lewis (later: Louis) Balfour Stevenson
© Copyright 2001 by Voyages of Discovey. All rights reserved.
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