Remembering April 19, 1993: A Trip to Mount Carmel

I was just a little fourth grader when I watched the Branch Davidian compound burn on television.  I had no idea what it meant or what later investigations, both congressional and non-governmental, would reveal.  Did the government massacre innocent people who thought they had first amendment rights or were they terrorists or was it a mass suicide? (See:  "Waco: The Rules of Engagement")

Anyway, I was in the area for work and decided to stop by the site of the compound.  It was morbid fascination at first but it ended up being really sad.  There were no signs that said "Keep Out" or "No Trespassing."  There was a welcome sign and several memorials.  We didn't see a soul.  Just some horses.

Above is the entrance to the property.  If you drive back further you'll see the Branch Davidian's new church, more memorials, and what is left of the compound that was destroyed on 4/19/93.  All that's really left is the swimming pool, full of standing water.  It looked like they had planted a garden where the buildings once stood.  Again, not a soul was seen.

Go here to see where the pool stood in relation to the rest of the compound