In 1849 the Harrison & McCulloch Stagecoach Stop was created to transport passengers and freight between Central, South, and East, Texas. Whether you are visiting friends or family, enjoying the many wonderful attractions located in the region, or just passing through, thank you for choosing Selma!The City of Selma officially incorporated in 1964. By 1980, the population had rebounded to over 240
residents. With the commercial and residential growth increasing along Interstate 35 (formerly known as Old Austin Road), the population of Selma reached 520 by 1990, and 788 in the year 2000. Recently, Selma has been one of the fastest growing cities in Texas. Selma’s population grew over 600% from 2000 to 2010, with a population of 5,540 residents as of the last census. Population projections show an estimated population of over 11,000; an increase of over 98% in less than 10 years. Thanks to the residents who managed to persevere during the 1900’s, as well as the development of the Interstate 35 corridor, Selma is positioned to play a major role in the area for decades to come. Quality of Life
Parks
The City of Selma is proud to offer a large variety of parks trails and other recreational facilities. Selma’s parks provide playgrounds, picnic areas, a full-size basketball court, and soccer fields. Harrison parks provide rental pavilions that are available to residents and non-residents. All City of Selma parks are open to the public from sunrise to sunset daily.
• John S Harrison Park
• Stage Stop Park
• Davenport Park
• FM 1518 Park
Attractions
John S. Harrison House – The recently renovated John S. Harrison House opened in 2016 and serves as one of Selma’s newest and most sought-after attractions. The 13-acre property and surrounding land was first settled by John Harrison and his wife Martha in 1852 and stands as one of the few remaining structures that date back to the settlement period of Selma. The newly rehabilitated turn-of-the century house and farm complex is Selma’s newest treasure, showcasing Selma’s early history and is directly linked to the famous Selma Stage Stop. The Harrison property is listed as a State Archaeological Landmark and the house is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Harrison House is available for private parties. For more information, please visit our website at www.ci.selma.tx.us or call (210) 651-7827. Selma Stage Stop – The Selma Stage Stop was established only three years after the founding of Selma, in 1847. Constructed between 1850 and 1852, the Stage Stop functioned as a stagecoach stop until no later than 1854 but remained as the Selma post office until 1906. The stagecoach connected the new settlement to the vital transportation lines that carried passengers to the interior of Texas. During its service as the post office, the Stage Stop legitimized the administrative, as well as physical, existence of Selma. The Stage Stop is one of the few remaining buildings in Selma left from the settlement period. Listed in the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places, the Selma Stage Stop is a vital piece of Selma’s history, and the Central Texas Landscape. Historic Evans Road Hike/Bike Trail – On November 18, 2017, the City of Selma celebrated the culmination of many years of vision and hard work with the grand opening of the Historic Evans Hike/Bike Trail. The Evans Road Hike/Bike Trail follows the historic route of the original Evans Road, through what is now Stage Stop Park, a portion of Forest Creek Subdivision and the Harrison Property. The trail consists of two similar, but wholly distinctive segments. The Harrison segment runs from the Stage Stop Visitor’s Center to the Harrison Property and is approximately 0.7 miles long. The FM 1518 segment runs from the Stage Stop Park, down through Cibolo Creek and up to the FM 1518 Park, spanning approximately 0.4 miles of largely natural terrain. The Historic Evans Road Hike/Bike Trail provides a historic and unforgettable walk through Selma’s history. Retama Park – Opened in 1995, Retama Park is San Antonio’s only Class 1 horse racing venue, with live racing on Friday and Saturday from June through November. Retama Park is open for simulcast racing year-round, except for Christmas Day. Retama Park offers a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere for avid and casual horse racing enthusiasts. Retama Park also hosts a variety of local and national events throughout the year. Whether for horse racing or special events, be sure to check all of the excitement at Retama Park. Annual Events
Selma-Schertz Salute to Service Members 5K
Selma is a community driven and committed to engaging with its citizens, including its military veterans and their families. Each year, the cities of Selma and Schertz join forces for Selma-Schertz Salute to Service Members 5K Fun Run / Walk. Proceeds from this event are donated to Operation Comfort, a non-profit organization dedicated to support our Service Members who have been wounded in Afghanistan or Iraq and are receiving treatment at San Antonio Medical Center (SAMC) and Audie Murphy VA Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. This event continues to grow each year and we look forward to many future years of supporting our military and wounded warriors. Movie in the Park – In May and October of each year, the City of Selma hosts a “Movie in the Park” at the Stage Stop Park, featuring the newest family-friendly films. Movies start at dusk, but make sure to get there early to pick the best spot. Complimentary popcorn, drinks, and candy are provided. Make sure to bring a chair, a blanket, and a friend and join us for one of our Movies in the Park! National Night Out – National Night Out is a national community building campaign that promotes community-police relations and allows the community to get to know their neighbors. Members of the Selma Police and Fire Departments, as well as other City of Selma officials, visit with Selma residents, HOA’s and local businesses. For more information, or to schedule your visit, please contact the Selma Police Department at 210.651.7815. RE/MAX Skylight Balloon Festival – The RE/MAX Skylight Balloon Festival features nightly balloon glows and morning competitions, tethered balloon rides, food trucks, Fun Zone, vendors and concerts by local musicians. The magnificent, colorful, hot air balloons will be the highlight of the weekend. In addition, the RE/MAX parachute team will perform Friday evening - jumping from their plane over the festival and landing right in the middle of the launch field. The event, organized by The Chamber, is a partnership between the Cities of Selma, Schertz, and Cibolo. Christmas at the Harrison House – Hosted by the Selma Historical & Parks Commission, the “Christmas at the Harrison House” provides an opportunity for attendees to enjoy fellowship and fun at the historic John S. Harrison House. Visitors have a chance to view the 1800’s home and grounds, learn a bit of the area’s early history and enjoy drinks and snacks with a Texas Christmas flair! Easter Egg Hunt – Each year, the Selma Historical and Parks Commission hosts its annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Stage Stop Park. There will be two separate “hunts” based on age. Prizes will be awarded for specially marked eggs. Don’t forget to bring your basket!
