Stroll Through Time
SALADO HISTORY
Timeless Legacies & Legends
Steeped in history, the small village of Salado embodies the quintessential small town tapestry with a rich history, culture, community spirit, and bold, fierce individualism of the Republic of Texas.
The Stagecoach Inn was built in 1861 and originally named the Shady Villa Hotel. Legend has it that later that same year, Sam Houston’s stagecoach stopped at the Inn and he stayed the night. While at the Inn, Houston made a speech from the balcony of the Shady Villa Hotel, warning Salado residents of the risks of secession and the Civil War. To date, the Stagecoach Inn is the oldest, continuously running hotel in Texas. Other famous guests of the Inn include the notorious outlaw Jesse James, Sam Bass, Robert E. Lee, Sam Houston, and George Custer
Historical Sites
CHARMING
Calling all time travelers and arm chair historianswho want to journey through time and learn more about the history of Central Texas and the first settlers who founded the Village of Salado.
Village Gardens
ENCHANTING
Village pocket gardens feature original art and beautiful drought-resistant native plants. A joint collaboration of Keep Salado Beautiful and local Master Gardeners and Naturalists,
Antiques
TIMELESS
Beckoning old souls, kindred spirits and collectors of nostalgia and antiques. Discover timeless pieces and treasures from the past — unique art, books, jewelry, relics, furniture,
and more!
Salado Historical
Society
Welcome to Salado where history is still alive!
OUR PURPOSE: The Salado Historical Society is dedicated to researching and preserving the history of the area and of the families that helped build this
community. Our mission is “To locate, educate, and preserve the history and the historical integrity of the Village of Salado.”
Salado Museum
& College Park
The Salado Museum and College Park was established to preserve and promote the pioneer history of Salado and the diverse nationalities that settled this area. College Park, just south of the museum, is the location of the ruins and grounds of historic Salado College.
Admission to the Salado Museum and College Park is free. For large groups or tours, please contact us in advance.
Our Hours
Mon-Fri: 10am-4pm
Saturday: 10am-4pm
Sunday: Closed
Historical Sites Tour
Originally designed by the Salado Historical Society, this self-guided tour leads you through some of our Village’s most prized landmarks and uncovers the histories of our storied village.
Historic Cemeteries
There are five public cemeteries in and around Salado. Salado Cemetery located just off Royal on Baines, West Salado Cemetery located NW of Salado on West Village Road, .1 mile west of I-35, Bell Plains Cemetery located on Armstrong Rd, just north of Barnes Rd , Hamblin-Aikin Cemetery 400 N. Main, & Willingham Cemetery west of Salado on FM 2843 .
There are numerous family cemeteries and a partial list can be found at http://cemeteries.txbell.net . The Salado, Bell Plains and West Cemeteries can also be located at this site.
The Gault Site
Schedule a tour at the Gault Site
Gault is located on private property and is accessible only with advance coordination.
Currently we have two options for touring the Gault Site. Starting this September, Gault will be open the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month. To arrange a visit on one of these days, please contact one of our education partners.
To schedule a tour, please contact one of our education partners:
Alternatively, if you have a party of 12 or more persons and would like a private tour, please contact us directly at gaultschoolofarchaeology@gmail.com
When booking your tour, please be aware that each guest in the tour must complete a GSAR Liability Form upon arrival at the Gault Site.
What to expect on your tour?
The Gault Site is situated in the spring-fed Buttermilk Creek valley. Our tours guide you through a gentle trek across a portion of this valley, where you’ll navigate small hills and gravel paths. We recommend wearing sturdy walking or trekking shoes and dressing appropriately for the weather. Please note, tours may be rescheduled during rainy or excessively hot conditions to ensure everyone’s safety. Given the unpredictable nature of Texas Hill Country weather, safety remains our top priority.
Tours typically last around 2 hours and are led by one of our organization’s knowledgeable representatives. These tours are family-friendly, offering hands-on experiences that engage both children and adults in geology, ecology, natural sciences, anthropology, and archaeology. Additionally, some tours can be tailored to include atlatl dart technology and flint knapping demonstrations.
the tour prices are as follows:
- $20 per Adult (ages 13 and up)
- $10 per Child (ages 9-12)
- Complimentary for children 8 and under
- K-12 Classroom and Educator tours: FREE
- For School Field Trips, please reach out to GSAR directly
For more details and to schedule a tour, email us at: gaultschoolofarchaeology@gmail.com
Visit us (by appointment only)
Gault Site Gate Address:
3433 FM 2843
Florence, Texas 76527
Look out for the prominent stone monument by the roadside—it marks our gate. The parking area is about 100 meters inside, on the left. Our tour guides will greet you there. Can’t wait to see you soon!
Visit Salado
The Best Place to Stay, Shop, Stroll in Bell County
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