General -
Edged by 217,000 acre Fort Hood. Named for civil engineer of
Santa Fe Railroad that built across county in 1882. Largest
city in Bell County, home of Central Texas College,
University of Central Texas. Killeen's rich cultural diversity offers
visitors numerous dining, shopping and entertainment options - from rodeos
and stock car racing to the culture of the stage. Community theater productions are held
throughout the year at the Center for the Arts, sponsored by
Vive Les Arts Societe.
Additional information on events, accommodations, and
attractions are available at the visitor information center in the restored
Santa Fe depot, including a guide to historical sites and markers. Operated
by the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce
Convention and Visitors Bureau, the center is open Monday through
Thursday 8:30a.m. - 5p.m., Friday 8:30a.m. - 4:30p.m. At One Santa Fe Plaza.
Tel. 254/526-9551, or 1/800/869-8265.
The Killeen Area Heritage Association sponsors historic exhibits at the
Killeen City Hall, housed in the old Killeen High School, Avenue D at
College Street. the city offices are open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through
Friday.
Killeen lies on U.S. 190, a segment of
the Ports to Plains Highway connecting the state's heartland
to coastal ports.
 Fort Hood-
Covering 339 square miles of Central Texas, the
modern Army post is staffed with the largest collection of
soldiers and fighting machines in the free world - the only
two-division post in the nation. Home of the Army's III
Corps, 1st Cavalry and 4th Infantry Divisions. Visitors
welcome at two museums on the post.
The 1st Cavalry Division Museum exhibits
more than 150 years of cavalry uniforms, equipment, arms from
sabers to assault helicopters; emphasis on division combat
during World War 11, in Korea, and in Vietnam. Artillery,
tanks, trucks and captured foreign weapons; at 761st Tank Destroyer Blvd.
4th Infantry Division Museum allows visitors to explore the
history of the Division through a series of self guided exhibits which
use artifacts, text and photographs showing soldiers in service to
their country through three wars. In addition, the museum has a large number
of historical vehicles on exhibits on the grounds.
Visitors are welcome at each Division's museums Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 3:30
p.m., Sat. & Sun. noon - 3:30 p.m.; closed only
Christmas, New Year's, Thanksgiving, and Easter. Visitors
stop at main gate entrance from U.S. 190 west of Killeen.
Parks-
Ten city parks offer more than 250 acres for family recreation. Features
include sports fields, tennis
courts, swimming pools and picnic areas and golf and youth
centers. |
