Mother Neff State Park is located in central Texas, about 35 miles southwest of Waco. The land was originally donated by the mother of Texas governor Pat Neff and has the distinction of being the the first state park in Texas.
Naturally, it has its own historical marker. It reads:
"First official state park in Texas; suggested the idea for the State Parks system. Originated with a 6-acre plot willed to Texas in 1916 by Mrs. Isabella E. Neff, mother of Pat M. Neff, Governor of Texas (1921-1925) Because Texas then had no state parks, Mrs. Neff stated the land was to be used for religious, fraternal, political, and educational activities.
Seeing the need for more such areas, in 1923, the 39th Legislature created the State Parks Board. In 1934 Pat Neff deeded 250 acres, and other owners 3 acres, to enlarge the original tract."
Work was done at the park by the Civilian Conservation Corps at the park and can still been seen by park visitors, including the Lookout Tower/Water Storage Tank. Here's a video we shot about some of the science behind the rocks used to build it:
