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On the western side of Texas is the San Angelo Destination, which comprises a number of cities, including its namesake, San Angelo, as well as Brady, Lohn, Eden, Grape Creek, Ballinger, and Katemcy, among others. San Angelo served as the area of a mission led by Franciscans in the 17th century to serve native inhabitants. Ownership of the land passed through various hands, namely Spain, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, and lastly, the United States. It wasn't until 1867 that the area was officially founded as San Angelo.[2] As of 2023, San Angelo was reported to have a population of 98,821 people, also serving as the county seat of Tom Green County.[1] Some of the attractions in the region showcase the area's history, such as Fort Concho National Historic Landmark and the Historical Murals of San Angelo. Other places tourists can visit are the San Angelo State Park, Chicken Farm Art Center, Miss Hatties Bordello Museum, and the International Waterlily Collection.[3] When visiting San Angelo, it is recommended by the beach/pool score provided by Weather Spark to visit the area between June and September for hot-weather activities. Temperatures in San Angelo fluctuate throughout the year, ranging from 35°F to 96°F, depending on the season. [7]
The San Angelo Destination is located entirely in a portion of Texas southwest of Dallas. San Angelo, the namesake of the destination, is located in Tom Green County, Texas. The city is also situated in the Concho Valley in West Texas. San Angelo has a population of 98,821 people as of 2023. While the city is currently experiencing a decline at a rate of -0.43% annually, with a population decrease of -1.27% since the 2020 census, San Angelo has historically shown consistent growth since the early 20th century. The city's demographics are fairly diverse, with 74.95% of the population being White, followed by two or more races at 11.17%, and other races contributing to the racial makeup as well.[1] Several institutions in the area are Angelo State University, Fort Concho, and Goodfellow Air Force Base. Additionally, San Angelo is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Angelo.[2]
San Angelo offers a range of attractions that may cater to various interests. The city's streets feature murals and open-air modern art displays, reflecting its commitment to "art in uncommon places." The historic Fort Concho shows the area's Western heritage, with preserved structures dating back to 1867, offering a glimpse into the region's history. The International Waterlily Collection in Civic League Park is another attraction that showcases water lily varieties. For those who take an interest in art, the Chicken Farm Art Center offers access to resident artist studios, galleries, and social gatherings. Nature enthusiasts can explore San Angelo State Park, which is home to trails, boating opportunities, and herds of bison and longhorns. The San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts includes relatively diverse exhibits, such as sculptures, Spanish Colonial art, and Texas art.[3]
Another city in the destination is Brady, located in McCulloch County. This city is referred to as the "Heart of Texas" since Brady is the "closest [city] to the geographical center of the state." [4] Activities possible in Brady include exploring natural areas, namely Brady Lake. At the lake, visitors can participate in swimming, camping, boating, skiing, and fishing. Downtown Brady features antique stores, dining options, and locally owned retail stores.[5]
Situated in west-central Texas is San Angelo, which serves as the seat of Tom Green County. San Angelo is approximately 90 miles southwest of Abilene. It is located at the confluence of the North, South, and Middle Concho rivers. Initially known as Over-the-River, the city was later renamed Santa Angela, and the name was subsequently masculinized to San Angelo. The rivers in the area have been used for irrigation and flood control, resulting in the creation of water bodies such as Twin Buttes Reservoir and other lakes. This ultimately shaped the geography and provided resources to the region.[6]
San Angelo experiences a climate marked by distinct seasons. Summers in the city are often hot and humid, lasting about 3.8 months from May 21 to September 14, with daily high temperatures consistently above 89°F. July is typically the hottest month, with an average high of 95°F and a low of 73°F. In contrast, winters are characterized by short, cold, dry, and windy conditions, lasting for around 2.9 months from November 23 to February 20. The coldest month in San Angelo is usually January, with an average low of 36°F and a high of 60°F. Throughout the year, the city experiences partly cloudy skies, and temperature variations range from 35°F to 96°F, rarely falling below 24°F or exceeding 102°F.[7]
Brady Creek Reservoir, situated in McCulloch County, Texas, is a man-made lake located approximately three miles west of downtown Brady. Managed by the City of Brady and officially impounded in 1963, this reservoir, also known as Brady Reservoir or Brady Lake, includes a dam measuring 8,400 feet long and standing 104 feet high, with a storage capacity of 30,430 acre-feet. The area surrounding the reservoir features fairly limited aquatic vegetation in most parts, along with submerged plant species and standing timber. Brady Creek Reservoir offers opportunities for recreational fishing and houses various fish species, including largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, and white bass.[8]
San Angelo's history dates back to the 17th century when a mission led by Franciscans was established in the area to serve native inhabitants. Over the centuries, the region passed through the hands of Spain, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, and ultimately, the United States in 1846. The city of San Angelo was founded in 1867 with the construction of Fort Concho, a frontier outpost home to cavalry, infantry, and the Black Cavalry, known as buffalo soldiers. Santa Angela, the settlement located just outside the fort, was founded by Bartholomew J. DeWitt, who named it after his wife, Carolina Angela. The town later adopted the name San Angelo in 1883 at the insistence of the United States Postal Service. During the late 19th century, the city grew as a trade center, benefiting from the arrival of railroads and serving as a transportation hub. San Angelo also played a role in treating tuberculosis patients in the early 1900s, drawing individuals seeking rest in dry, warm climates. The city further grew during the oil boom of the 1900s, becoming a regional center for the oil and gas industry.[2]
Northeast of San Angelo is Brady, Texas, which has a history that dates back to the 1870s when settlers first arrived in the area. Initially known as Brady City due to its location along Brady Creek, the town was officially incorporated in 1906, and its name was shortened to Brady. The town's growth was accelerated when it was designated as the county seat of McCulloch County in 1876, and by 1877, 50 residents lived within the town. Early on, stock raising and cattle drives to markets in Kansas were primary occupations, but over time, farming diversified, including poultry, sheep, goats, cotton, and pecans. The arrival of railways in the early 20th century transformed Brady into a shipping point for Central Texas, and by 1914, it housed several churches, schools, banks, and processing plants. World War II brought Curtis Field, a pilot training school, and a German prisoner-of-war camp near the town. The population fluctuated over the years due to railway changes, but Brady remained a farming and ranching community with notable landmarks such as the Francis King Art Gallery and Museum and a stone courthouse that was renovated in 2009.[4]
Gil's RV Korral is an RV park at the edge of San Angelo, Texas, about a quarter mile from Highway 87. The park features 14 RV sites, a laundromat open 24/7, and a store that sells detergent and fabric softener. Four RV sites have covers and picnic tables, the latter of which are open to all guests. Wi-Fi is available at the main office as well. Other park amenities include parking space for work vehicles and on-site RV maintenance. The campground owner, Robert Lindley, plans to add showers, a play area for children, and additional covers to provide shade. Pets are allowed, but owners are asked to clean up after their animals and keep them leashed or enclosed outside. Attractions near Gil's RV Korral consist of OC Fisher Lake, Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, Brown's Park and Pool, LLC, and several dining locations.
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