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Salado Historical Society Adds 2 New Sites
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The Farr house was built in Belton, TX around 1875 (with land originally purchased in March 1875 by William G. Ludlow), the house was associated with Dr. Rezin S. Farr. After falling into severe neglect and being declared condemned by the fire marshal, the structure faced demolition. In 1991, George Kolb rescued the home and relocated it to Salado to preserve its architecture.
The home retains the original architectural elements like its historic pine and cypress floors. Because it was relocated, it receives local recognition rather than a standard state or national historic marker.
The Salado Grange refers to both the first local chapter of the Grange movement in Texas (organized in 1873) and the historic two-story limestone building on Main Street in Salado, Texas, where its members met. Today, the preserved structure houses the Salado Museum and College Park and the local visitor center.
Welcome To Salado, Texas where history is still alive.
Early settlers who came to the Salado area found fertile land and abundant springs. It was here that residents built homes, churches, a school, and businesses, including gristmills, hotels, stores, and a distillery. It is to them we owe a debt of gratitude for their vision, hard work, spirit and fortitude in carving the village of Salado out of the limestone and flowing springs you see around us today.
Many people visiting Salado say they love its history and that this history is what makes the village unique. These people are right: Salado’s historic significance has been acknowledged by the State of Texas and others as follows:
- 41 Registered Texas Historic Landmarks and Subjects marked with a plaque or a medallion.
These include people, places, cemeteries, and mills. (Designated with RTHL)
- 7 National Registry of Historic Places marked with plaques. (Designated with NRHP).
Additionally, some of the RTHL are also NRHP.
- 14 Salado Historical Society Landmarks (Designated with SHSL)
- 4 Texas Historic Cemeteries.
- 8 Water-driven Grist Mills along 9 miles of Salado Creek.
Only 2 marked with an NRHP plaque are still standing. One site is marked as RTHL.
These many markers recognize pioneers and places of historic significance in Salado. They are described on this web site.
How We Got to Where We are today
This area first called Salado Springs was part of the westward movement that brought pioneers from eastern states to Texas. The appeal of large tracts of fertile land was a major attraction. However, Salado offered something else few communities did: a college. In October of 1859 Col. E. S. C. Robertson donated 100 acres of land to build a college of which 90 acres were sold for town lots. The town was founded directly as a result of the establishment of the Salado College. Salado prospered as an educational and agricultural center for many decades. At one time a series of eight flour and grist mills were built on Salado Creek. Many of the historic homes and sites of early Salado are still an important part of this thriving, historic, village that you can see during your visit to Salado.
Support Salado Historical Society
Help us preserve the unique history of Salado, Texas
Your support and contributions will enable us to save the historic buildings of Salado. Your generous donation will allow our efforts to expand.