History of Waco, and Miscellaneous Legends of Texas

To give a"History of Waco" in the space allotted were impossible; a fleetingglimpse of its varied periods of growth from the view-point of a native, whohas had the stories from the lips of those who helped to make it, is all thatshall be attempted.

To do thislet us divide the time into five periods, beginning with the earliest, which,of course, is largely tradition, but which oft told tale has been handed downfrom the "oldest inhabitant."

First : The Indian village.

Second : The White Settlers Village, or "PioneerPeriod."

Third : The Growing Country Town.

Fourth : The Progressive Little City.

Fifth : Greater Waco; A Glimpse into the Future.

The Tribeof Indians known as the "Wacos" are believed to have been a branch oroff-shoot from the larger tribe of the Tawakcni, those fierce natives whosedeed form such lurid scenes upon the canvas of Texas history. The word"Waco" being the name given by the Spaniards to this branch, theoriginal spelling being "Hueco." The early white settlers verysensibly gave the anglisized spelling of "W-A-C-O," which is afterall nearer the tribal name. They knew well how to talk with the Spaniards inthe language of the carbine and the rapier, but it is doubtful if they were so familiarwith the Spanish orthography. In any case, we are thankful for the simplespelling.