The city had a U. The U. Indigenous peoples occupied areas along the river for thousands of years. In historic times, the area of present-day Waco was occupied by the Wichita Indian tribe known as the " Waco " Spanish: Hueco or Huaco.
In , Thomas M. Duke was sent to explore the area after violence erupted between the Waco people and the European settlers. His report to Stephen F. Austin , described the Waco village: [ 13 ].
This town is situated on the West Bank of the river. They have a spring almost as cold as ice itself. All we want is some Brandy and Sugar to have Ice Toddy. They have about acres 1. I think they cannot raise more than One Hundred Warriors. After further violence, Austin halted an attempt to destroy their village in retaliation.
In , he made a treaty with them. The Waco were eventually pushed out of the region, settling north near present-day Fort Worth. In , they were moved onto a reservation in Oklahoma with other Wichita tribes.
In , the Waco received allotments of land and became official US citizens. Erath to inspect the area. Property owners wanted to name the city Lamartine, but Erath convinced them to name the area Waco Village, after the Indians who had lived there.
