3 Waco History Lessons I Learned at Magnolia Silos
When you think of Magnolia Silos, you probably picture farmhouse-chic decor, insanely good cupcakes, and all things Chip and Jo. But on my visit, I found something way more surprising: the place is packed with Waco history. I didn’t go in expecting a full-on history tour—but let me tell you, the Silos have some stories to tell.
Here are three things I learned while exploring Magnolia that totally changed the way I saw the place.
1. Cotton Built This Place
The two silos standing at the center of Magnolia’s magic? Not just a cute photo backdrop. They were built in 1950 and originally used by the Brazos Valley Cotton Oil Company to store, you guessed it, cottonseed. Waco used to be a major player in the cotton industry, and this spot was part of that big, gritty industrial story.
After the company shut down in the 60s, the silos just sat there for decades - literally rusting in place. Enter Chip and Jo, who saw potential instead of decay. They kept the original structures and gave them a new life as the heart of Magnolia Market. I loved seeing how they turned a piece of Waco’s working-class history into something people from all over now come to admire.
2. Babe Ruth Played Here (No, Really!)
Behind the Silos, there’s this adorable little Wiffle ball field that looks like it was made for Sunday picnics and Instagram. But here’s the wild part: it’s a tribute to Katy Park, which used to sit on that very spot. From 1905 to 1956, this was where the Waco Cubs played. And legends like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig actually played here during exhibition games.
There’s a statue of both Ruth and Gehrig near the field now, and it’s kind of surreal. You show up expecting boutique shopping, and instead, you get a baseball field tied to two of the biggest names in sports history. It’s like stumbling into a time capsule… with artisan lemonade.
3. Restoration is in Waco’s Bones
If there’s one theme that ties Magnolia (& Waco) together, it’s restoration - and I don’t just mean flipping houses.
There’s a small white church on the property that dates back to 1894. It had been out of use and falling apart for years when Joanna found it and imagined something new. Now, it’s been beautifully restored and serves as a peaceful place for reflection, weddings, or just a quiet moment away from the Silos crowds.
Then there’s the barn - originally built in Ontario, Canada in the 1870s. It was disassembled, shipped to Texas, and reassembled piece by piece by Heritage Restorations. It’s rustic and gorgeous, and honestly kind of inspiring to think about how far something can travel and still feel like it belongs.
I showed up at Magnolia for the cupcakes and home goods, but I left with a whole new appreciation for Waco’s story. From the silos’ industrial roots, to the echoes of baseball legends, to the thoughtful restoration of buildings with real history, this place is layered. There’s something special about honoring the past while giving it a second life, and Magnolia does that beautifully.
So next time you’re visiting, take a second between bites of cupcake goodness or browsing the market to look around. You’ll see way more than you came for.
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