Crawford Neighborhood Information

Crawford: Home to the Western White House

By Kristen Tucker, Photos by Rich Braun
Wednesday, May 21, 2008

In Texas, the motto is, bigger is always better. But Crawford is an exception with a population of only 705 residents. What it lacks it size it makes up for in a rich history, an abundance of natural beauty and good old-fashioned Southern charm.

Located 20 miles southwest of Waco, Crawford is halfway between McGregor and Valley Mills. Unlike many other towns surrounding Waco, Crawford offers the advantages of not being on a major highway. This advantage makes Crawford attractive to people looking for privacy. "People move to Crawford to escape the hustle and bustle of city life," Marilyn Judy, President of the Crawford Chamber of Commerce said. "In Crawford they'll find small, exemplary rated schools for their children and an easy lifestyle rooted in family values."

In Crawford you won't find a strip of fast food restaurants or major retail stores, but what you will find is the peace and quiet of the country, friendly residents and down home values. "One advantage of the lack of industry in Crawford is families can return to old fashioned family values with home cooked meals," Judy said. "Currently, there are no plans for economic development or industrial growth in Crawford and residents like it that way."

The Tonkawa Indians were the first inhabitants of Crawford and their history is visible through Petroglyphs carved into the rock bed of Tonk Creek. In present day, this scenic secluded town is home to President George W. Bush and the First Lady. They purchased a 1,600-acre ranch on Prairie Chapel Road in 1999. At their country retreat they have hosted a number of foreign dignitaries and government officials. The ranch's wide-open spaces and country setting recently created the perfect backdrop for the wedding of the President's daughter Jenna Bush. President Bush is a patron of many of the small coffee shops in town where he has been known to mingle with residents and pose for photos. This secluded town is also home to Ted Nugent, a Detroit-born hard rock guitarist and hunting advocate.

Natural beauty is abundant in this small town and it's evidenced in Crawford's natural gem, Tonkawa Falls, which features a 15-foot waterfall running into a natural swimming hole below overhanging bluffs. You can drive over the falls on an old country bridge and enjoy a breathtaking view or spend the night in the Tonkawa RV Park. Every year in October, the Tonkawa Traditions festival is held and it includes a parade followed by activities in the park.