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Our History![]() The first settlers of northern McLennan County arrived in the 1840’s. They were farm and ranch families drawn from the east by the rich lands made available by the government sale of land to build schools in Texas. The area farmers cultivated the land growing cotton, wheat and maize and raising cattle. The farming community centered around a fresh water spring that became known as Bold Springs. In 1860 Bold Springs had a population of about 300 and provided services such as a blacksmith, churches, and a post office. The Katy Railroad was laid between Hillsboro and Waco in the fall of 1881. The path of the railroad cut through land owned by Thomas West. The railroad brought prosperity to the area during the 1880’s. More businesses were opened and more surrounding land was purchased. Czech and German immigrants came to the area purchasing the rich lands to farm and start a fresh life in the new world. They also opened businesses sharing their European culture. By the 1890’s the Czech businesses flourished in West. On June 11, 1892 West was officially organized into a town. It had became the center of commerce for the area. There were cotton gins, grocery stores, churches, schools and doctor’s offices. Many of the farmers and business men of West contributed to the success of West as a great little farming community.
Many of the descendants of the original settlers continue to farm the lands and run the businesses still today. You can still hear Czech spoken by some of the older folks around town. The West Depot is now home for a railroad museum and information center for West. In it you will find information and old photographs of the railroad and it’s relation to the West community. |