The city of Waco is situated approximately 90 miles south of Dallas and 100 miles north of Austin City within the heart of the Texas manufacturing and technology corridor. It is the county seat of McKennan County. The city is situated along Interstate I-35 with other highways, consisting of U.S. Routes 77, 84 and the Texas State Highway 6, serving the area. The city of Waco is likewise the birthplace of the soft drink Dr. Pepper.
Within the area, the original people were the Huaco Indians, that is where the name of the city derived from. The small village of Waco did not resemble a city until 1849, at which time the very first streets were laid out by surveyor, George B. Erath. The city of Waco was incorporated in the year 1856 and rapidly developed into a bustling railroad community. By the 1870's numerous railroad lines were established making Waco City a center of commerce for the state of Texas. During the year 1886, Waco University merged together with Baylor University after relocating from Independence to Waco. By the 1900's, the city of Waco had become one of the biggest producers of cotton in the world.
Waco City was the site of a deadly shootout during 1993, which claimed ten lives. Of the ten deaths, 6 were members of the Branch Davidian cult and the other 4 were agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The Davidian compound in Mt. Carmel was destroyed by a fire resulting from the 51-day standoff which ensued directly following the shooting.
Amongst the biggest municipal parks in the state is Waco's Cameron Park, which is a great place used for canoeing, picnicking and hiking. There are many animal enthusiasts who visit Cameron Park Zoo, which has a huge natural-habitat zoo which houses lots of species from around the globe. Within the center of downtown is RiverSquare Center which is an assortment of restored warehouses, among which date back to the early 1900's, which have been turned into bars, shoppjng and restaurants. Among the other fascinating attractions that can be found in the city of Waco are the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, which comprises several interactive exhibits covering all types of sports; Art Center Waco, that entertains children of all ages with hands-on activities; and the Dr. Pepper Museum, which contains a mock-up of the original drug store when the drink was first invented. Likewise situated within the city of Waco is the Armstrong Browning Library, the Mayborn Museum Complex, Homestead Heritage, Lake Waco, Ranger Wing of the Commemorative Air Force, masonic Grand Lodge, the Waco suspension bridge and Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.
A semi-pro football team, the Waco Thunder is housed within Waco. They are one of 32 teams that compete in the Texas United Football League. A professional minor league basketball team, the Waco Wranglers, are also one of the sports teams of Waco City. As part of the American Basketball Association during 2006-2007, the Waco Wranglers played their first season and joined the United Basketball Association during 2008.