Founded in 1894, when Waco was cotton capital of the South. After first exposition to mark end of cotton season, original palace burned; was rebuilt, 1909. Exposition each November had grand royal coronation; nobility came from Texas cities, other states and foreign countries. Featured farm crops, animals; a "warpath" of sideshows; parades, football games, auto shows, horse races and other attractions. The 10,000-capacity coliseum was the setting for grand opera, concerts, coronation balls, shows from Broadway, debutante balls. After 1930, property was sold. (1966)
Getting there
31.5458, -97.1342
Locations are approximate and may be inaccurate, on private land, or otherwise inaccessible. Check before you travel.
Hear it from the road
Whistlestop tells you this story automatically when you drive past. No searching, no tapping, nothing to ask.
