Monday, February 25, 2008
Surprising Town, Salado, Texas
Follow Interstate Highway 35 North of Austin, Texas, and discover a bevy of small towns worthy of a stop to absorb the history of Central Texas, to explore the restaurants, historic Inns and Bed and Breakfasts and the unique variety of shops. One town in particular, Salado, Texas, (IH35 exits 283-5) stands out as a gem and offered a special surprise to this visitor one sunny but cool Sunday in late January.
Salado was long known as an agricultural town of “mills and gins, “ but at the turn of the 20th century this town was in dire need of an economic boost to secure its future. In 1910, the destiny of this Central Texas town hinged around an effort to lay train track through the town making Salado the “Middlebuster” town providing a connection to the towns of Seymour, Quanah and Dublin lying in the remote corners of this vast state.
In the throes of a power struggle among town leaders and railroad officials, the plan was aborted in favor of neighboring Belton further to the north. If Salado’s town leaders of the time had gotten their way, the town would have been a vastly different place today; busy, sprawling and noisy instead of the attractive and appealing town that it has become and worthy of a spot on your itinerary. In the early 1900’s, the loss of that prospect of becoming a railroad town loomed large. In the early years of the 2000’s, this loss is our gain. Treat yourself to a relaxing visit to Salado, stay in a 100 year old Inn, shop in historic buildings and sit by the Salado creek for a few minutes of people watching and meditation.
The buildings once belonged to Salado’s prominent citizens such as E. S. C. Robertson who helped found Salado College in the 1850’s and served as Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court, Rev. Levi Tenney, Presbyterian Minister and first president of Salado College, Capt. Robert Bonner Halley, civil war commander. Salado also housed the first Farmer’s Grange in the country. Longevity and careful preservation have prevailed in Salado. The homes built by these prominent citizens now serve as award winning inns and restaurants attracting visitors to the town.
True loving care and hard work have preserved the beauty of this town. Scour the antique shops, fine art galleries, gifts and crafts houses, trendy clothing, shoe and specialty shops. Meet artisan Jim Benton, his daughter Brandy in their gallery, a staple at 401 South Main Street for 35 years. His paintings and jewelry are featured along with sculptures in metal and wood and a collection of butterfly specimens from around the world.
Visit the 100 year old award winning Rose Mansion and the Levi Tenney House, or stay in their guest rooms, enter Judith Miller’s fine art gallery, shop in the old-time 1860 shop, Horsefeathers antiques or browse Susan Marie’s for the latest fashions.
The Salado Creek long divided the town. It was united with the building of a unique suspension bridge in 1868 to be replaced several more times before today’s unique and graceful bridge was built. Search for the delightful sculptures by local artist Troy Kelley, including the Three Billy Goats Gruff and especially the Puma in a tree. Central Texas offers many adventures and discoveries. Each town has a story and develops indigenous characteristics. Salado has held its own place in the area. About that surprise I promised to share, it is the town in which I spotted a BOBCAT along the creek. It was there and then gone in a flash. It eluded my camera. I can only see it in my mind’s eye and savor my visit to Salado, Texas.
Salado was long known as an agricultural town of “mills and gins, “ but at the turn of the 20th century this town was in dire need of an economic boost to secure its future. In 1910, the destiny of this Central Texas town hinged around an effort to lay train track through the town making Salado the “Middlebuster” town providing a connection to the towns of Seymour, Quanah and Dublin lying in the remote corners of this vast state.
In the throes of a power struggle among town leaders and railroad officials, the plan was aborted in favor of neighboring Belton further to the north. If Salado’s town leaders of the time had gotten their way, the town would have been a vastly different place today; busy, sprawling and noisy instead of the attractive and appealing town that it has become and worthy of a spot on your itinerary. In the early 1900’s, the loss of that prospect of becoming a railroad town loomed large. In the early years of the 2000’s, this loss is our gain. Treat yourself to a relaxing visit to Salado, stay in a 100 year old Inn, shop in historic buildings and sit by the Salado creek for a few minutes of people watching and meditation.
The buildings once belonged to Salado’s prominent citizens such as E. S. C. Robertson who helped found Salado College in the 1850’s and served as Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court, Rev. Levi Tenney, Presbyterian Minister and first president of Salado College, Capt. Robert Bonner Halley, civil war commander. Salado also housed the first Farmer’s Grange in the country. Longevity and careful preservation have prevailed in Salado. The homes built by these prominent citizens now serve as award winning inns and restaurants attracting visitors to the town.
True loving care and hard work have preserved the beauty of this town. Scour the antique shops, fine art galleries, gifts and crafts houses, trendy clothing, shoe and specialty shops. Meet artisan Jim Benton, his daughter Brandy in their gallery, a staple at 401 South Main Street for 35 years. His paintings and jewelry are featured along with sculptures in metal and wood and a collection of butterfly specimens from around the world.
Visit the 100 year old award winning Rose Mansion and the Levi Tenney House, or stay in their guest rooms, enter Judith Miller’s fine art gallery, shop in the old-time 1860 shop, Horsefeathers antiques or browse Susan Marie’s for the latest fashions.
The Salado Creek long divided the town. It was united with the building of a unique suspension bridge in 1868 to be replaced several more times before today’s unique and graceful bridge was built. Search for the delightful sculptures by local artist Troy Kelley, including the Three Billy Goats Gruff and especially the Puma in a tree. Central Texas offers many adventures and discoveries. Each town has a story and develops indigenous characteristics. Salado has held its own place in the area. About that surprise I promised to share, it is the town in which I spotted a BOBCAT along the creek. It was there and then gone in a flash. It eluded my camera. I can only see it in my mind’s eye and savor my visit to Salado, Texas.
# posted by Ann Carol @ 8:23 PM 
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