Near Axtell, Texas, 20 miles northeast of Waco, there stood a large complex of buildings known as the Mount Carmel Center, used by the religious group Branch Davidians. Named after the biblical Mount Carmel in Israel, the Davidians (later Branch Davidians) lived in relative peaceful isolation from the Waco community. As a city with deep religious roots, Waco generally accepted the Branch Davidians and allowed them to practise their religious beliefs without interference.
That situation changed in 1987 when the group attracted local media attention following a shooting at the New Mount Carmel Center. Vernon Howell, who later changed his name to David Koresh in 1990, assumed leadership of the Branch Davidians following a power struggle that resulted in a shooting with rival leader George Roden. Shortly after, Koresh began to incorporate radical ideas into his messages.
Claiming that God had instructed him to build an army in preparation for the end times, Koresh encouraged the group to begin accumulating ammunition and weapons. He also claimed to have received divine instructions to procreate with women and establish a "House of David". Although his only legal marriage was to Rachel Jones when she was 14 years old, he took many "spiritual wives", both single women and those married to others. Evidence indicates he had relations with minors and fathered more than 12 children with various "wives". Without claiming to be Jesus himself, Koresh had proclaimed that he was the final prophet.
On 28 February 1993, the Branch Davidians came to national attention when federal agents attempted to execute an arrest warrant against Koresh, which provoked a shootout that left four ATF agents and six Davidians dead. A 51-day siege followed until 19 April 1993, when a fire broke out, leaving another 76 Davidians, including many children, dead. The entire site was razed two weeks after the end of the siege, so nothing remains of the original complex.
A new Davidic community now exists on the property called The Branch, The Lord Our Righteousness, which includes a small chapel, a memorial site and a wellness centre. A gate restricts access to certain hours and a $10 entry donation is requested.
