McCulloch County

Population: 7,896 (2003 estimate)

History

Located in the geographic center of Texas on the Dodge Cattle Trail, McCulloch County was named for Ben McCulloch. A soldier in the Battle of San Jacinto and Mexican War, elected Representative of the Republic of Texas and frontier surveyor, McCulloch served as a US Marshal in 1856 when the county was established. The first settlers on the banks of McCulloch County’s Brady Creek donated land in the mid-1870s to create Brady City. It was named the county seat in 1876, with the name shortened to Brady in 1906 upon incorporation.

Before the 20th century, livestock, primarily cattle ranching was the principal occupation in the area. With an influx of immigrants in the late 1880s and 90s, farms increased with poultry, sheep, goats, pecans and cotton developing into significant sources of income. Brady became one of the primary shipping points in central Texas when the Fort Worth and Rio Grande Railway arrived in 1903, further bolstering its industry. The track was later abandoned in 1959, leaving Brady with considerably less access to outside markets and halting their more than 50-year growth spurt. The Santa Fe train depot, a symbol of Brady’s early successes, has been restored and now serves as an art gallery and restaurant.

Today, McCulloch County is still primarily a ranching and farming community, with additional industries such as mohair combing and sand mining. Their stone courthouse, circa 1899, remains a stately presence in the center of the town square. The county has a strong sense of community, numerous city-owned recreation areas and a variety of outdoor sportsman pursuits. It is home to numerous hometown festivals including the Brady/McCulloch County World Championship Goat Cook-off held each Labor Day. Now in its 32nd year, the event attracts cooking teams from all over the nation and sometimes internationally.

Geography

McCulloch County lies in the geographic center of Texas at the edge of the Texas Hill Country and is crossed by the San Saba River. The county seat and largest city, Brady (pop. 5,523), lies 115 miles northwest of Austin. Its namesake, Brady Creek, still runs right through the city.

Things to see and do

Heart of Texas Historical Museum: Housed in a county jail dating to 1910, this exhibit details early farm and home life of the area’s pioneers. Open Saturday and Monday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (325) 597-0526.

Heart of Texas Country Music Museum: Displays a collection of personal items (left) from various country music legends such as Roy Acuff, Kitty Wells and Johnny Cash, as collected by radio DJ Tracy Pitcox. Open Friday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. (325) 597-2119.

McCulloch County Courthouse: A Texas Historic Landmark dating to 1899, this courthouse was constructed of native stone from two local quarries.

Brady Lake: 25 miles of shoreline offering outdoor enthusiasts opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating and camping. Boat storage, facilities, RV hookups, screened shelters and outdoor picnic areas are also available. (325) 597-2152

Brady Municipal Golf Course: A nine-hole public golf course featuring rolling terrain and tight fairways. Open daily. (325) 597-6010.

Santa Fe Center: The restored Santa Fe train depot that now functions as an art gallery and restaurant.It is available for parties and small conventions. (325) 597-3491.

Lodging

Numerous lodging properties are available in McCulloch County including full service motels such as Best Western Brady Inn and Days Inn Motel, rustic cabins in the woods like the Cabin at San Saba Oaks, quaint bed & breakfast properties like Heart of Texas Bed & Breakfast, and both city and privately owned RV sites.

Shopping

Back at the Ranch - home decor and gift items
Christi’s Room - embroidery, gourmet foods, and gifts
Cynthia’s Collection - sterling silver, glass collectibles, quilt accessories and gifts
Evridge’s - home appliances, home furnishings, bridal, gifts and an automotive store
Texas Tumbleweed - antiques, art, crafts and collectibles
Young’s Jewelry – custom jewelry designs

Dining

Brady and McCulloch County offer a variety of restaurants including barbecue, down home country cooking, steaks, ethnic foods and chain favorites. There is sure to be something to suit most every taste. Some of the local favorites are:

Down Home Country Cooking, Brady
Flores Cafe & Cantina, Brady
Heart of Texas Depot Restaurant, Brady
Hard Eight BBQ, Brady
Jacoby Cafe, Melvin
Texas Corral, Brady

Festivals/Events

July:
Brady/McCulloch County July Jubilee
PRCA Rodeo/PBR Bull Riding

September:
Brady/McCulloch County World Championship Goat Cook-off
California Rock Crawling and Off Road Championship Event

October:
Muzzle Loader Fall Shoot

November:
First Christian Church Annual Bazaar

December:
Brady/McCulloch County Christmas In the Heart

More info
For more information about McCulloch County, visit their website.