the official walking tour of salado map
Our Mission
The Salado Historical Society is dedicated to researching and preserving the history of the area and of the families that helped build this community. Their mission is “To locate, educate, and preserve the history and the historical integrity of the Village of Salado.”
1908 Historic Salado Church
Available for rent; for reunions, club meetings, bridal and baby showers, any event that requires a beautiful intimate venue with a unique historical warmth.
Founded in March 1859, this Church of Christ congregation first met in a brush arbor on the north bank of Salado Creek. The first two elders were James Anderson and J.W. Vickrey, both of whom were instrumental in the organization of Salado College. A frame sanctuary, erected on North Main Street in 1875 was destroyed by fire in 1908. A second frame structure served the congregation until 1961, when it was replaced by a brick sanctuary. A new building was erected in 1988. This church has served the people of Salado for over a century. ( RTHL, SHSL)
- Accommodates 52 Seated - Space for seven 6' tables - Food preparation room with microwave & refrigerator
- Handicap accessible entrance and bathroom - Donation and refundable deposit required for use (contract)
- Available Monday to Sunday 8:00AM to 9:00PM - Alcohol not permitted
Fully restored. Available for events & meetings 7 days a week, seats 52 with 7 tables. microwave & fridge, handicap accessible.
For information go to www.saladohistoricalsociety.com or
call 713-819-4113 and speak to Pat for details or reservations.
A project provided by Salado Historical Society P.O. Box 251, Salado, Texas 76571
Accommodates 52 Seated
Food preparation room with microwave and refrigerator
Accommodates 7 - 6' tables
In beautiful historic Salado, Texas
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.