5988 State Highway 317 - Bell County Ranch 707

bellco707.com Nestled in northeastern Bell County, Temple, TX, sits at the crossroads of Interstate Highway 35 and State Highways 53 and 95. Just thirty-six miles south of Waco and sixty-seven miles north of Austin, Temple’s strategic location makes it a vital hub within the Texas landscape. Initially known as Temple Junction, the city was established in 1881 when Jonathan E. Moore sold land to the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway for a construction camp. Renamed in honor of Bernard Moore Temple, the chief engineer of the railway, Temple quickly grew from a railroad outpost to a bustling community. The city’s development was propelled by the arrival of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas line in 1882, solidifying Temple as a division point for the Santa Fe Railway. Incorporated in 1882, Temple rapidly expanded, boasting a population of 3,000 by 1884. Its growth was further accelerated by the establishment of medical facilities such as the Santa Fe Hospital in 1891 and Scott and White Hospital in 1904, making Temple a leading medical center in the Southwest. Despite economic challenges during the Great Depression, Temple continued to thrive, attracting new residents and industries. By the 2000s, Temple’s population had surpassed 50,000, reflecting its status as a vibrant and growing city within the Killeen-Temple metropolitan statistical area. With its rich history, diverse economy, and strategic location, Temple remains a dynamic community poised for continued growth and prosperity.