McGREGOR, TEXAS

McLennan County / Coryell County, Central Texas North

31°25'55"N 97°25'1"W (31.431928, -97.417022)
US 84 and State Hwy 317
17 miles SW of Waco, McLennan County seat
20 miles E of Gatesville, Coryell county seat
15 miles S of Valley Mills
28 miles N of Belton
Population: 4,987 (2010) 4,727 (2000) 4,683 (1990)

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The McGregor Depot / Amtrak Station
TE Photo, March 2004
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History in a Pecan Shell

A doctor with the redundant name of Gregor McGregor granted the railroad a right-of-way and thereby earned the honor of having the town named after him. Like nearby Waco, McGregor was blessed with artesian springs. Lots were sold from a railroad flatcar in September of 1882 by a state land commisioner.

In short order, McGregor was drawing off the populations of smaller communities and one (Banks) even transferred their post office to McGregor in October of 1882.

During WWII, an Army Ordnance plant just outside of McGregor brought in enough workers to triple the population. After the war, the plant “beat swords into plowshares” by manufacturing stoves and other pacific appliances.

The election of George W. Bush as President may well help McGregor economically. It’s possible that the town may benefit in the same way Fredericksburg did during LBJ’s terms. It’s the closest town to Bush’s farm at Crawford, Texas. Fredericksburg was the nearest populated area to Stonewall and LBJ’s ranch.

Today Amtrak’s Chicago to Los Angeles Texas Eagle makes a stop in McGregor at the depot. The neat little waiting room is air-conditioned and is furnished with the old railroad pew-type seating and a soft drink machine (Dr. Pepper of course).

McGregor Attractions

Amsler Park: just north of town on Hwy 317.

The Spradley Telephone Museum: 921 W. 3rd Street

The McGinley Memorial Library at 317 Main contains movie memorabilia in the balcony section. 254-840-3732

The McGinley Memorial Library,
formerly the Ritz Theatre, 317 Main Street
TE Photo, March 2004

The 1912 Texas Theatre neon sign
Photo courtesy Shawn Stephens, February 2018

Photographer's Note:
This is the oldest theatre in Texas built specifically for motion picture and entertainment purposes. - Shawn Stephens, June 22, 2018

Texas Theatre
Photo courtesy Shawn Stephens, February 2018

Texas Theatre as it appeared in 2004
TE Photo, March 2004
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The Odd Fellows Hall in McGregor
TE Photo, March 2004
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McGregor Tourist Information
McGregor Chamber of Commerce
303 South Main 254-840-2292
City website: www.mcgregor-texas.com

NATIVE SONS

Johnnie High by Dorothy Hamm

Today almost every county in Texas has an “opry,” a country music variety show that showcases local talent., but that has not always been the norm. In 1975, when Johnnie High, a handsome, super-personable entertainer who had been picking and singing since his early teens, dreamed of establishing a wholesome, quality, country music show using local “unproven” talent, his friends told him there was no way it would succeed.

Thirty years later, Johnnie High’s Country Music Revue is a North Central Texas "institution" that has earned international recognition, growing into one of our most enduring country music traditions. more

Take a road trip

McGregor, Texas Nearby Towns:
Waco, McLennan County seat
Gatesville, Coryell county seat

See McLennan County | Central Texas North

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