Visit The Branch Davidian Cult Compound In Waco, Texas

Despite their compound burning to the ground 30 years ago, the Branch Davidian cult is as popular as ever. In fact, Netflix recently released a 4-part docuseries entitled Waco: American Apocalypse. The show provides an in-depth look at the cult, its leader, David Koresh, and the 51-day standoff that ensued between the group and law enforcement, who were there due to reports of federal gun law violations within the compound. Four ATF agents were killed by Davidians when rapid gunfire was exchanged, and on April 19, 1993, the entire compound burned to the ground after the FBI launched tear gas canisters into the building, and some 80 members of the cult (including Koresh and at least 22 children) perished in the flames.

While arson investigators concluded that the Davidians started the fire, the few surviving members contest this position. Today, you can visit what little remains of the original Branch Davidian cult compound, and it is a truly haunting experience.

The Branch Davidians existed before David Koresh, but after the events of February-April 1993, his name will forever overshadow any independent beliefs of the original religious group.

A lonely gravel road in Waco, Texas leads to the site of one of the worst massacres to ever occur on U.S. soil: the compound of the Branch Davidian cult.

While there isn't much left of the compound (after all, it burned to the ground, killing almost all of the cult members), a heavy energy lingers in the air like London fog.

If the gates are open (they sometimes aren't), then you're welcome to drive on in. There is a donation box at the entrance; $10 per car is the suggested amount.

Once inside, you will see several monuments honoring those who died in both the blaze and the 51-day standoff that prefaced it.

There is one memorial for the members of the cult (who many consider to be victims, as they were brainwashed by Koresh), and another for the four ATF agents who died in the gunfight that was the first domino that set off a cascade of tragic events.

Visitors can also enter a chapel built on the site of the original church, which now serves as a Visitor Center of sorts.

Caretakers are not always present on the property, but if you happen to run into one, their deep knowledge of the compound and the events that took place on it will elevate your experience tenfold. You may even get to see some historic photos and documents that few people have ever laid eyes on.

The swimming pool used by the Branch Davidians (which was set to become a bunker, but that plan was never realized) is the only major structure that remains intact. You'll also see remnants of a school bus, the farmhouse across the street that was used to surveil the compound, and trees planted in honor of each of the victims.

Have you ever visited the Branch Davidian cult compound? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments. Don’t forget to check out our previous article to learn about the Waco Mammoth National Monument, a much more family-friendly attraction in town where you can see the fossilized remains of 24 Columbian mammoths.

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Mount Carmel Center, 1781 Double Ee Ranch Rd, Waco, TX 76705, USA

You Can Still Visit What's Left Of The Branch Davidian Cult Compound In Waco, Texas

Katie Lawrence

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