Branch Davidian Compound - Waco, Tx.
N 31° 35.645 W 096° 59.362
14R E 690764 N 3497198
In 1993 The Branch Davidian Compound, also know as Mount Carmel was the site of a 51-day standoff between Law Enforcement Officials and the Branch Davidians under the leadership of David Koresh.
Waymark Code: WMZ003
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 08/17/2018
Views: 10
The Branch Davidian Compound was a religious compound founded by David Koresh, located about 10-miles northeast of Waco, Texas. Koresh and his follower were suspected in stockpiling illegal weapons and were the subject of a federal investigation. Because of the investigation, Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearm obtained a search warrant for the Branch Davidian Property. Arrest warrants for Koresh and some of his followers were also issued. When ATF Agents arrived at the compound on February 28, 1993, the Davidians who had been tipped off to the impending raid were heavily armed and resisted. Gun fire erupted and four ATF Agents were killed. Additional Federal, State and Local law enforcement arrived and isolated the compound. For the next 51 days federal authorities attempted to negotiate an end to the siege. On April 19, 1993, with negotiations grow more tense and conditions inside the compound rapidly deteriorating, Attorney General Janet Reno approved a raid on the compound. Federal authorities in armored vehicles approached the compound and attempted to puncture the walls so that tear gas could be pumped inside. Shortly after the armored vehicle breached the walls, a fire broke out. The compound was quickly engulfed in flames. On nine people escaped. As a result, the siege ended with the death of Koresh and 75 of his followers.
Source/Credit: (
visit link)
Today, little remains of the original compound. Access to the fire site is restricted. Visitors can enter the property from Double EE Ranch Road, where they will find a few memorials to those followers who died here. There is a small chapel where several of the smaller monuments are located. The access road beyond the chapel which leads to the original compound and site of the fire is posted with no trespassing signs. On occasion visitors are met by a caretaker who will answer questions and provide a brief informal tour of the property, which does NOT include the site of the fire. Upon entering the property a $5.00 donation is request, which can be place in a drop box near the entrance.