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Texas : Towns A-Z / Central Texas North : Marlin

MARLIN, TEXAS

Falls County Seat, Central Texas North
Hwy 7 & Hwy 6, 25 miles E of I-35
26 miles SE of Waco
59 miles N of College Station
102 miles NE of Austin
Population 6,628 (2000) 6,386 (1990)

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Men drinking from hot artesian spring in Marlin, circa 1920

Old postcard

History in a Pecan Shell

The town was named after early settler John Marlin, the County after the falls of the Brazos River. County was originally part of Milam and Limestone.

A hot artesian spring was struck by accident in 1893 and the town became known for its curative waters. This was the era of health awareness (people became aware of how little they had) and what better excuse was there for leaving home, than "taking the cure" in Marlin? Even today you can drink from a fountain from that era, right next to the Chamber of Commerce Office. You can soak your feet too, and they've thoughtfully provided a separate facility for that purpose. Water has a tendancy to purge and locals have timed it's effects at 43 minutes.

The Falls Hotel, Conrad Hilton's Eighth

"I guess you know the history of this famous old hotel in Marlin. It had a tunnel going to a bathhouse across the street. The bathhouse is gone and the tunnel has been blocked off.

During the depression I stood on the sidewalk just to the left of the entrance way shelter and watched a "human fly" scale the wall. I don't know how high he climbed because I couldn't stand to watch the full ascent. I believe the only thing he received from his daring act was the net proceeds from a passed hat. I heard that he told someone when it was all over that the biggest danger he faced was starving to death." - George Lester, May 18, 2004

Palace Theater and Palace Cafe, Marlin, Texas

Palace Theater &
Palace Café
The Movies in 1930s Marlin :
A memoir by George Lester
Hamburgers at the Café were a nickel or a dime - depending on who was eating them. more

Left top - Fall Hotel today.
Photo courtesy George Lester, 5-2004
Left middle - Fall Hotel
Old post card, TE archive
Left bottom - Palace Theatre ,
TE photo 2003

The Falls County Courthouse - next page

Marlin historic downtown has many antique sources, and Falls on the Brazos Park has canoeing, camping and fishing ( Any Marlins caught must be released).

Falls County is also home to Rosebud and Spunky Flat.

Brick Collectors can find Marlin Bricks at downtown antique stores.

The Falls County Historical Museum
Hour: Mondays and Fridays 1-4 P.M.
Phone: 245-883-910.

Blue Ridge Baptist Church in SE Marlin
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, August 2005

St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Marlin Texas

St. Paul's United Church Of Christ north of Marlin
Photo courtesy Michael Baxter, 2007

Another view of St. Paul's United Church Of Christ
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, August 2005

Marlin Chronicles

Bring Me the Head of My Least Favorite Nephew By John Troesser
Getting what you wish for in Marlin, Texas, 1908

The Movies in 1930s Marlin by George Lester
Our dad gave us each a quarter to spend on our big "Saturday-go-to-town" day ...

Marlin, Texas Tourist Information

Marlin Chamber of Commerce - 254-883-2171
245 Coleman St.
Website: www.marlintexas.com

Marlin Texas Forum

Anyone wishing to share history, memories, or photos of Marlin, Texas, please contact us.
Copyright John Troesser
More Barclay Gibson photos

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Website Content Copyright ©1998-2007. Texas Escapes - Blueprints For Travel, LLC. All Rights Reserved This page last modified: April 22, 2007

MARLIN, TEXAS

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Marlin Chronicles

Marlin, Texas Tourist Information

Marlin Texas Forum

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