Crawford in McLennan County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Crawford
Development increased following the Civil War, and the post office opened in 1871. By the latter part of that decade, the town included several stores, a tavern, a blacksmith shop and a school with an enrollment of about 100.
In 1881, the Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe Railroad, building north from Temple to Fort Worth, bypassed the original townsite, and residents began moving here along the new line. Crawford experienced economic growth as a result, and there were soon four churches, a cotton gin and a grain mill. Incorporated in 1897, the town remained an important agricultural center throughout the twentieth century, at times boasting more than 700 residents, two banks and dozens of local businesses.
In July 1999, Texas Governor George W. Bush and his family bought the former Englebrecht Ranch (Prairie Chapel Ranch) west of town. His election as President of the United States in 2000 turned the ranch into the "Western White House," the site of gatherings for U.S. officials and foreign heads of state. Crawford gained international media attention and served as the official voting place for President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush.
Erected 2004 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 13191.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #43 George W. Bush series list.
Location. 31° 32.066′ N, 97° 26.591′ W. Marker is in Crawford, Texas, in McLennan County. Marker is at the intersection of North Lone Star Parkway (State Highway 317) and 5th Street (County Route 185), on the right when traveling north on North Lone Star Parkway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6688 N Lone Star Pkwy, Crawford TX 76638, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. McGregor Mirror (approx. 6.9 miles away); McGregor (approx. 7 miles away); American Legion Memorial (approx. 7 miles away); First Christian Church of McGregor (approx. 7.2 miles away); First Baptist Church of McGregor (approx. 7.2 miles away); Zion Lutheran Church (approx. 7.2 miles away); Willow Grove Community Cemetery (approx. 8.3 miles away); Valley Mills Santa Fe Railway Depot (approx. 8.6 miles away).
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 10, 2015, by QuesterMark of Fort Worth, Texas. This page has been viewed 652 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 10, 2015, by QuesterMark of Fort Worth, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.