Salado, a small village in Central Texas, enjoys a classic history. One of the first colleges in the state of Texas was founded at Salado. One of the village's first homes was a 22-room Classic Revival plantation house, which still sits today in the midst of a ranch covering several thousand acres. Other stately homes soon followed, many of them bearing historical markers today. Herds of cattle followed the Chisholm Trail across the spring-fed waters of Salado Creek. Dusty cowhands rested and ate their fill at the old Shady Villa Hotel. The stage stops at the hotel always brought excitement and, occasionally, renowned visitors such as Stephen F. Austin, Gen. Sam Houston, and Gen. Robert E. Lee.
Coauthor Mary Harrison Hodge, a longtime resident of Salado and a published historian, is involved with numerous historical societies and is a member of the Daughters of the Revolutionary War and the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. Coauthor Charlene Ochsner Carson, a published historian, is active in preserving the history of her church and community. She serves as archivist for her church and the local historical society. The authors have selected more than 200 vintage photographs that illustrate the frontier spirit of Salado's rich, diverse history.