The Circle is a traffic circle and commerce hub in Waco, TX built in 1933 and with highway connections made in 1934. The Circle is still a part of Waco’s trafficway located off the main I-35 highway that connects many of the state’s largest cities. Today the Circle is a city icon and popular tourist spot as it is surrounded by hotels, one of Waco’s oldest continuously running food establishments, and the popular Magnolia Table Restaurant (originally Elite Café).

Aerial photos of The Circle built in 1933 before any paved roads or highways were added

The Circle, even early-on before paved roads solidified the local landmark, used Texas’ “Lone Star” motif in its center to reflect the five main roads converging at this location.

In the mid-50’s when Elvis was touring the south with The Louisiana Hayride, one of the larger off-site stops was at Waco’s then state-of-the-art Heart O’ Texas Colosseum. During those early Waco visits Elvis and The Blue Moon Boys would stay around The Circle for their hotel and likely a quick bite to eat. Even when Elvis began visiting with the Fadal’s at their home after the final Waco show, the boys still got a room at The Tam O’Shanter Hotel Courts where they could retreat to after.

Today The Circle is a Waco local landmark and still a city hub for food and hotel stays, just like when Elvis would visit the city. Even the exact locations around The Circle echo to what was there before; with the Tam O’ Shanter Hotel Courts‘ original location still being used as a site for a hotel, now The Element by Marriott. Or the land owned and used by The Health Club, a burger joint originating from the 40’s (with an unconfirmed Elvis history) still running in the same location in addition to the popular Magnolia Table Restaurant that has ushered in a new direction for Waco’s future.