Temple is situated within Central Texas close to the city of Belton, the county seat of Bell County. Austin is situated approximately 65 miles south of the city and Waco lies about 34 miles north., Texas is the county seat of Bell County within Central Texas new Belton. Austin is some 65 miles south of the city of Temple, whilst Waco City is only 35 miles north. The population is projected to be approximately 60,118 and is a "principle city" in the Metropolitan Statistical Area of Killeen -Temple - Fort Hood.
Due to the city's natural beauty, it has been dubbed the "Wildflower Capital of Texas". During the year 1881, the town was established as a railroad town and called "Temple Junction". The name was in honor of Bernard Moore Temple, a civil engineer and surveyor for the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway. The very first post office was constructed in January 1881. At around the same time the city shortened its name to Temple and in 1882, the city was incorporated. The hospital of the Santa Fe Railway Company was built within the city of Temple and Temple still maintains its reputation as a regional medial center. The Scott and White Memorial Hospital, that is highly renowned within the area, presently employs almost 10,000 staff, easily making it the largest employer in Temple. There are a lot more physicians per capita in the city of Temple then there is in any other community in the nation. One of the major campuses for the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine is also located in Temple.
There are also many regional distribution centers situated within the city of Temple, along with the headquarters of McLane Company and Wilsonart International. These two large, multi-national companies also provide several jobs for the residents of Temple. The Temple Daily telegram is the daily newspaper.
There are several attractions situated within Temple, with the highlights being the Railroad and Heritage Museum, the Czech Heritage Museum, Temple Symphony Orchestra, Temple Lake Park, the Azalee Marshall Cultural Activities center and the Mother Neff Park.
The spectacular environment of Temple is one of the most appealing aspects. There are numerous kinds of wildlife spread out over the diverse landscape that comprises gorgeous green prairie land, a thriving woodlands, and the stunning Lake Belton. Some individuals go to Lake Belton to take advantage of the Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area, that offers various facilities such as a water slide, jet skis, cabins, rustic lodge and paddle boats. Some fishing tournaments are also held fairly often. It is also a great spot for picnics and camping. Rock climbers, hikers, bird watchers, and photographers can take advantage of the Miller Springs Nature Center.