The Waco Tornado
Waco, McLennan County, Texas
Marker Inscription
One of the most disastrous tornadoes in Texas history swept through downtown Waco on the afternoon of May 11, 1953, killing 114 people, destroying 346 buildings and creating property damage in excess of $50 million. Some of the worst devastation occurred at this site, where 32 employees of the R.T. Dennis Furniture Company died when the building collapsed. Aid to the city came in the form of volunteer and military rescue forces and donations totaling over $9 million. The rescue and restoration efforts that followed reflected Waco's strong sense of pride and community spirit.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
On the afternoon of May 11, 1953, one of the deadliest tornadoes in Texas history tore through downtown Waco, killing 114 people, destroying 346 buildings, and causing over $50 million in damage. The worst loss struck here, where 32 workers died when the R.T. Dennis Furniture Company building collapsed. Volunteers, military rescuers, and more than $9 million in donations poured in to dig out and rebuild the shattered city center.
Why it matters
The Waco tornado's staggering toll helped spur the modern era of tornado forecasting and civil-defense response, and its aftermath became a lasting testament to community resilience.
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Related events
- · 1953 Waco tornado
Themes & tags
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