Unknown Facts about Life in the Wild West that are Still Relevant Today

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, my grandparents moved from Tobacco Country in Central Kentucky to Texas in a covered wagon around 1900. The journey brought them across the Brazos River Suspension Bridge in Waco, an historic monument that still stands today. They found their promised land in the Bell and Falls County line, where they established the community of Belfalla. This historic journey reflects the journey of many settlers who moved to Texas to build a new life.

The Bridging of History and Modernity

Many people were moving to Texas during that era, just as they do today, clearing land and planting crops like cotton and corn. However, not much is known about the famous natural falls that marked Falls County. Named after the river's powerful falls in Marlin, which were over ten feet high, the area was a special place where Indian tribes settled and even had a burial ground. Today, the falls are barely noticeable, but the local history still holds significant value.

Wildlife and Conflict

While there were no notable incidents of conflict with the Indians mentioned in my lifetime, the area was known for its variety of wild game and fish. Native Indians used the falls to catch fish for food and sustenance. The area was a bounty of natural resources for the tribes, and many Indian artifacts were salvaged from the area, which is still a popular spot for hiking and hunting. Occasionally, arrowheads can be found as floodwaters shift the sand around, highlighting the rich history of the region.

Music and Legends

There were several songs that referenced the Brazos River, with the most notable being "Cross the Brazos in Waco" by Billy Walker. In 1900, Waco was the only bridge available, making it an amazing sight to see. Today, the suspension bridge is not far from the Waco Silos, a popular landmark. Exploring the bridge can provide a vivid picture of what life was like during those times.

Harmony of Cultures

My grandfather's experience in Texas was not the exception. During the 1800s and early 1900s, real Cowboys and Indians lived in harmony. Settlers like my grandparents lived off the land and the mighty Brazos River. The river played a crucial role in the lives of both tribes and settlers, providing food, water, and a means of transportation. It is possible to ride horses in pastures where the river once flowed, and these lands were once the hunting grounds of the Indians. Today, these areas are also home to migratory birds like ducks, Canadian geese, and Whooping cranes, which use the Brazos as a navigational route to Texas, passing through a National Wildlife Preserve.

Modern Perspectives

Today, Texas is still a special place, but the temperatures can soar. Over 100 degrees Fahrenheit is not uncommon, which adds to the allure of the Wild West. Cowboys still ride to local stores, like the Dollar General, with their guns in holsters, a testament to the enduring spirit of the old West. Exploring the area offers a unique connection to the past and the enduring life of the West. The region's rich heritage combines the stories of settlers, Indians, and the land, making it a critical destination for anyone interested in history and outdoor adventure.