Belton

Founded in 1850, Belton grew as a trading center for nearby farms and ranches. Its merchants made the city a favorite rest stop for cowboys herding Longhorns up the Chisholm Trail. Today, visitors are drawn to the charming town square anchored by the magnificent Bell County Courthouse. Just off the square is the award-winning Bell County Museum, housed in a restored Beaux-Arts-style facility. Originally built as a Carnegie Library, the structure now features exciting, interactive exhibits that document the county's settlement and ranching history. The museum also features exhibits on two famous Bell County natives: acclaimed choreographer Alvin Ailey and Texas' first female governor Miriam A.“Ma” Ferguson.