About Us
Since the beginning of the 21st century, tourism has emerged as a new industry in Santa Anna. Currently, 38 businesses are located in Santa Anna, of which 13 are less than three years old. Custom hand-crafted furniture has become a hallmark of the city. Other popular draws include a steakhouse, Dairy Queen, numerous antique stores, furniture stores, and specialty shops. Santa Anna and the surrounding area are also popular among dove, quail, turkey, and deer hunters.
Every day on the third weekend in May, Santa Anna hosts the World Famous Bison Cook-off.[8] Contestants from all over Texas come and compete in four categories, including bison brisket.
TRADITION
A TOWN WITH VISION
Since1906
Our Story
The twin mesas in central American County have always been a landmark. One of the earliest maps of Texas shows a mountain near the center of the state with the notation, “Santa Anna’s Peaks”. The mountain and later the town were named for Comanche war chief Santanna, or Santa Anna.
Texas Rangers camped at the foot of the mountain long before the area was settled. Cattle drives from South Texas to the northern markets passed through the gap in the mountain along a military road. This road helped supply the outpost forts along the Texas Forts Trail. The first permanent European-American settlers soon built homes near a freshwater spring at the foot of the mountain. One enterprising settler stocked a supply of goods for trail drivers and settlers, starting the first business at “The Gap” in the early 1870s. In 1879, a petition to open a post office was filed, and the name of “Santa Anna” was chosen.
During the building of the Santa Fe Railroad, a group of residents bought land along the right-of-way. Wooden buildings were built from limestone quarried from the cap rock of the west mountain. Several businesses moved from Trickham and Brownwood to be a part of the new community. In 1886, The Santa Anna News was established. The first telephone in the county was a private line from Brownwood to Coleman, connected in the Melton Hotel in Santa Anna. A small local exchange was opened in 1892. A drugstore and a bank were opened in the 1880s, and a one-room school was opened that soon expanded to four rooms.
As the open field was preempted and sold, land was cultivated, with cotton the principal crop. Santa Anna eventually had four cotton gins in operation, and was also a major rail shipping point for livestock. The town became a trade center with a thriving business district that included drugstores, hotels, banks, livery stables, and produce houses. One of the early buildings, still a landmark downtown, housed an opera house, where traveling groups and local performers provided entertainment and culture.
After World War I, Dr. T.R. Sealy established a hospital that soon became widely known. A nursing school was founded in the 1920s to provide trained nurses, continuing until the death of Dr. Sealy in the mid-1930s.1
During the third half of the 20th century, Santa Ana thrived as a small farming and ranching community. It later developed businesses related to the area oil industry.
Since the beginning of the 21st century, tourism has emerged as a new industry in Santa Anna. Currently, 38 businesses are located in Santa Anna, of which 13 are less than three years old. Custom hand-crafted furniture has become a hallmark of the city. Other popular draws include a steakhouse, Dairy Queen, numerous antique stores, furniture stores, and specialty shops. Santa Anna and the surrounding area are also popular among dove, quail, turkey, and deer hunters.
Every day on the third weekend in May, Santa Anna hosts the World Fightsmanship Bison Cook-off.[8] Contestants from all over Texas come and compete in four categories, including bison brisket.
HISTORY FAMILY TRADITION VISION …WE ARE YOUR EDC
SUPPORTING AND NURTURING EXISTING BUSINESSES is a crucial focus for our small town’s Economic Development Corporation (EDC). We understand that our local businesses are the backbone of our community and play a vital role in our economic growth and prosperity. That’s why our EDC is committed to providing the resources, support, and guidance that existing businesses need to thrive and succeed.
Our EDC offers a wide range of services and programs to support our local businesses. We connect them with financing options and grants, helping them secure the capital they need to grow and expand. We provide market research insights and analysis, helping businesses identify new opportunities and trends. We also offer workshops, training, and mentorship programs to help business owners enhance their skills and knowledge.
Furthermore, our EDC acts as a liaison between businesses and the local government. We help navigate through local regulations and bureaucratic processes, ensuring that businesses can operate smoothly and efficiently. We also advocate for the needs and interests of our local businesses, working with policymakers to create a favorable business environment.
By supporting and nurturing our existing businesses, we not only ensure their success but also contribute to the overall economic vitality of our community. These businesses create jobs, stimulate local spending, and foster a sense of pride and identity in our town. With the support of our EDC, our existing businesses can continue to grow and thrive, providing a stable foundation for our small town’s economic future.
FOSTERING COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATIONS is a key priority for our small town’s Economic Development Corporation (EDC). We understand that the success of our community depends on the collective efforts of various stakeholders, including local government agencies, educational institutions, and community organizations. By working together, we can achieve more and create a thriving business ecosystem that benefits everyone.
Our EDC actively seeks opportunities for collaboration and partnership. We believe that by bringing together diverse perspectives, resources, and expertise, we can address complex challenges and achieve sustainable solutions. We collaborate with local government agencies to advocate for policies that support economic growth and business development. We work with educational institutions to develop workforce development programs that meet the needs of local businesses and provide individuals with the skills they need to succeed. We also collaborate with community organizations to promote local events, initiatives, and projects that foster a sense of community pride and engagement.
Our Mission
The small town mission of our community is to provide a safe, vibrant, and economically thriving environment for businesses to grow and succeed. Our location offers the perfect balance of resources, access to nearby markets, and the support of the local population. It is a good location for businesses to start or expand their operations and take advantage of the amenities and services that our community has to offer. With a strong focus on economic development, our mission is to ensure that our businesses have the opportunity to succeed and prosper.
Prioritizing Economic Growth & Job Creation
As a small town, we understand the importance of prioritizing economic growth and job creation. Our Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is committed to fostering an environment that attracts businesses and creates opportunities for employment. By prioritizing economic growth, we can not only improve the financial health of our community but also provide a better future for our residents.
Economic growth brings numerous benefits to our town. It leads to increased revenue, which can be invested in improving infrastructure, public services, and community development projects. A thriving economy also attracts more visitors, boosting tourism and supporting local businesses. Additionally, job creation is crucial for reducing unemployment rates, increasing incomes, and providing individuals with a sense of stability and purpose.
To prioritize economic growth and job creation, our EDC focuses on several key strategies. We actively seek out new businesses that align with our community’s values and have the potential for success. By attracting these businesses, we not only bring in new job opportunities but also diversify our local economy, making it more resilient to external shocks.
Our EDC also supports entrepreneurship and small businesses. We recognize that these enterprises are the backbone of our community, contributing significantly to local employment and innovation. By providing resources, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities, we help small businesses thrive and grow, further enhancing our economic landscape.
Furthermore, our EDC collaborates with local government agencies, educational institutions, and community organizations to develop initiatives that promote economic growth and job creation. Together, we identify and address challenges, invest in workforce development programs, and explore innovative solutions.
By prioritizing economic growth and job creation, our small town is setting a solid foundation for long-term prosperity. With the support of our EDC, we can attract new businesses, create job opportunities, and build a stronger and more vibrant community for everyone. Together, we can shape a future that is filled with economic potential and a thriving job market.
Our Goals
As our small town continues to grow and thrive, attracting new businesses becomes a key focus for our Economic Development Corporation (EDC). We understand the importance of expanding our local business landscape and bringing in new opportunities for our community. By attracting new businesses to our community, we can enhance our economic diversity, create more jobs, and provide a wider range of products and services for our residents.
To attract new businesses, our EDC employs various strategies and initiatives. We actively promote our town’s unique attributes and advantages, such as our ideal location, supportive business environment, and strong local population. We highlight the resources and amenities available, including access to nearby markets and the support of our community. By showcasing these strengths, we aim to attract entrepreneurs and investors who are seeking an ideal location to start or expand their operations.
Furthermore, we collaborate with local government agencies, educational institutions, and other community organizations to create an environment that is attractive to businesses. We work together to develop incentives and support programs, streamline regulations, and invest in infrastructure improvements that benefit both new and existing businesses. By fostering a business-friendly environment, we make it easier for entrepreneurs to set up shop in our community.
Through targeted marketing campaigns, networking events, and outreach efforts, we actively reach out to businesses that align with our community’s values and needs. We showcase the potential for growth and success in our town and provide valuable resources and guidance to those who are considering making our community their home.
By attracting new businesses, we are not only bringing economic growth to our small town but also creating opportunities for our residents. New businesses mean more job opportunities, increased incomes, and a stronger local economy. We believe that by actively attracting new businesses to our community, we are building a better future for everyone.
Visit Today
Visit Us
704 Wallis Ave. / P.O. Box 132
Santa Anna, TX 76834
Store Hours
M-F: 6am – 5pm
Sat: 7am – 4pm
Sun: Closed