Waco Suspension Bridge, Waco, Texas

We visited the Waco Suspension Bridge in 2016, but there were no plaques describing some of the exhibits. We visited again today with our family. 

In 1866 the Waco Bridge Company was granted a 25 year charter to build a toll bridge. The charter guaranteed that no other bridge or ferry could be built within five miles. Construction began in 1868 and, after much financial difficulty, was finished in 1870. Bridge traffic included wagons, pedestrians, and cattle herds. Special rates were given to heavy users. From 1875 to 1889 the public agitated for a free bridge, but the company retained its monopoly. Then, in 1889, the bridge was sold to McLennan County which gave it to the City of Waco as a free bridge.

Today the Waco Suspension Bridge serves only pedestrian traffic. It is the centerpiece of Indian Springs Park on the river, and stands as a reminder of Waco’s rich history.

Glen Rose, Texas

Glen Rose, Texas is a wonderful small town 52 miles Southwest of Fort Worth, Texas off of Hwy 67. It has a small town square surrounded by small businesses such as the Pie Peddlers, Shoo Fly Ice Cream Shop, Blackie's On the Square, an antique store, the Somervell Museum, and some clothing stores and restaurants. The businesses come and go as some do not make it and others flourish. It is considered the Dinosaur Capital of Texas, and has more petrified wood in its houses and buildings than the Petrified Forest National Park.

Pacific Combat Zone, Fredericksburg, Texas

The Pacific Combat Zone is part of the National Museum of the Pacific War where you can see what it was really like to do battle in the Pacific islands. They have replicated numerous aspects of the terrain, examples of the trenches and fortified cave positions that the Japanese had created to battle U.S. forces on those islands. Presentations at the Pacific Combat Zone include weapons and vehicles used during the Island Hopping campaign that our forces mounted.

The Avenger

A Legacy of Leadership ~~ Charles W. Nimitz, Fredericksburg, Texas

There is a separate section apart from the Museum with the history of Admiral Charles W. Nimitz that is housed in what used to be the Hotel Nimitz. This post contains some information about early Texas and how the Nimitz family came to be part of Texas history. 

Admiral Charles W. Nimitz (Feb. 24, 1885 - Feb. 20, 1966)

National Museum of the Pacific War, Fredericksburg, Texas

The National Museum of the Pacific War (NMPW) is recognized today as a world-class, cultural institution. A Smithsonian Affiliate and accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, NMPW provides the nation's most comprehensive account of World War II in the Asiatic-Pacific theater (Sept. 1, 1939 - Sept. 2, 1945).

Remaining true to its promise to Admiral Nimitz: to honor all who served and supported the war effort in the Pacific, the Museum proudly presents the facts, stories, and authentic artifacts of the Pacific War for today and generations to come.

Museum of South Texas History, Edinburg, Texas

The Museum of South Texas History is divided into several sections. The first section is called the River Frontier, and illustrates the geological origins of the area, its ancient animals and plants, its native peoples and their encounters with Europeans and the establishment of the region as a frontier of New Spain. Another section is called the River Crossroads, which introduces visitors to the rapid and astounding changes brought to the region during the 20th century. The last section houses the 1910 Jail.

South Texas Motorcycle Museum, Edinburg, Texas

Well, yes, another motorcycle museum. The South Texas Motorcycle Museum is located in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. But our favorite is the Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley, North Carolina where our friend Andy Norris works. This museum is only one room but packed with enough motorcycles for the public to enjoy ~~ mostly Harley-Davidson and Indian motorcycles.