Temple, Texas was established in 1881 and named for the chief engineer for the
Santa Fe Railroad, Bernard Moore Temple. Its first years of growth were
spent as a railroad town on the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railroad, and Missouri, Kansas and Texas
lines. The City is located on Interstate 35, an hour north of Austin and intersects with U.S.
190/State Hwy 36, a segment of the Ports to Plains Highway connecting the state to coastal ports.
Today, Temple is the manufacturing, business and retail center of Central Texas with one of the
Southwest's leading medical centers, Scott & White Hospital and
the largest Veterans Administration Health care center in Texas.
Medical and medical research facilities include Scott and White
Hospital, King's Daughters Hospital,
Central Texas Veterans Healthcare Center,
Texas A&M University Health Science Center College of Medicine,
Cardiovascular Research Institute, and TAMU Blackland Research
Center, an major agri-bioscience research facility that is co-located with the US Dept. of
Agriculture's Research center. Almost $200 million in new medical services, research and medical
education projects are currently under construction in Temple, more than any other city in Texas.
Key industry employers in Temple include:
Wilsonart International, largest mfg. of plastic laminates in the US
with Corp. HQ and 3 mfg. plants
McLane Company, a $20 billion convenience store distribution company
with Corp. HQ and SW Distribution Center
Pactiv, a plastics consumer packing
operation with over 2 million sf and 1,100 employees.
Nextel Call Center, Temple's newest major employer with almost
1,000 emp.
Artco-Bell, school furniture mfg. employs
450.
Performance Food Group Distribution Center and
Wal-Mart Distribution Center chose Temple for its central location
for distribution operations.
Temple College, a 2 yr. institution with over 3,500 students, specializes in a variety of
academic, technical degrees and certification programs in fields that support the local economy.
Temple College has received over $2.3 million in workforce training grants since 1999 and will build
a new $7.3 million health science center to meet the demand of local medical and research related
expansions.
Things to do in Temple -
Visit the Historic Railroad and Pioneer Museum -
See actual steam engine trains and exhibits at the newly restored
Santa Fe Depot in downtown Temple on 7th and Ave. B.
The Santa Fe Gardens, a park area that extends on the rail lines to the Farmer's Market are under
construction. For more information go to www.ci.temple.tx.us
and click on Railroad and Heritage Museum.
 SPJST Museum (Czech) Insurance Co.
Building - A Czech heritage center and Museum. Czech contributions to the ethnic diversity of
Texas are highlighted in a comprehensive exhibit. Preserved artifacts include 1530 Bible, 1895
handmade dulcimer and other antique musical instruments, clocks, colorful Old World costumes, and
quilts more than 150 years old, Also extensive archives of Czech immigration to Texas. 520 N.
Main St. Open to the public.
Enjoy the antique shops and local eateries,
like Molly's Deli, Bruckbauer's Pub and Pizza with live music, and the elegant Cheeve's Bros.
Steakhouse in downtown Temple.
Lakes -
Lake Belton is 9 miles from
downtown Temple and has over 135 miles of shoreline, residential areas and marinas. Excellent
boating, water recreation, fishing, camping and hiking.
Temple Lake Park-
172 acres on
Lake Belton
feature a boat launching ramp, camping, picnicking, fishing, boating and lake swimming. Nine mi. NW
on F.M. 2305.
For more information contact -
Temple Chamber of Commerce
Temple Economic Development Corporation
City of Temple
Central Texas Outside Guide
regional recreation information
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