IMG_8905.JPG
The seige (for lack of a better term) started when the ATF attemped to arrest the Davidian's leader, David Koresh, on weapons charges. Four ATF agents were killed, and a lengthy standoff began.

IMG_8907.JPG
A sign containing a memorial prayer ("Psalm 80"). I don't understand the Branch Davidian's religious beliefs, so I don't know why the prayer sheet has two Stars of David in the upper corners. (I'm sure it has something to do with their name, Davidians, but I don't know the details.)

IMG_8908.JPG
The Davidian's belief, and one shouldn't be surprised, is that the government burned down and killed its members. There's plenty to argue on both sides of that, but here's a memorial plaque. It reads "I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying how long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that swell on the earth?"

IMG_8909.JPG
A stone indicating a fund attempting to rebuild, although I'm not sure what is to be rebuilt. The small church is reasonably new.

IMG_8910.JPG
The Davidians call this site the Mount Carmel Center. This says "On February 28, 1993, a church and its members known as Branch Davidians came under attach by ATF and FBI agents. For 51 days the Davidians and their leader, David Koresh, stood proudly. On April 19, 1993, the Davidians and their church were burned to the ground. 83 people perished during the seige. 18 were children 10 years old or younger." Below that quote are the names. Behind you see several memorial trees, which we'll see more of shortly.

IMG_8911.JPG
A wider shot of the same plaque.

IMG_8915.JPG
At the base of each tree is a plaque with the name of one person killed in the fire. (None of the people are actually buried here.)

IMG_8916.JPG
A closer view of the new church.

IMG_8917.JPG
A dedication of the new church.

IMG_8918.JPG
If facing the church, this is to the left, and we begin to see the remaining ruins of the large building many remember from the news.

IMG_8919.JPG
A little warning that snakes and ants are joining us for the walk.

IMG_8920.JPG
A small sign noting the location of a concrete vault. One thing making this such a moving site is how barebones it is. The fire happened eleven years before our visit but its almost like it happened yesterday, with rubble and handmade signs all around.

IMG_8921.JPG
Location of the former dining area.

IMG_8922.JPG
Tunnel to shelter.

IMG_8924.JPG
Storm shelter.

IMG_8925.JPG
Part of a wood floor still remains.

IMG_8926.JPG
I'm not sure if this was a pool, or just part of the basement.

IMG_8927.JPG
Location of the pump house.

IMG_8929.JPG
A wider shot of the area where the building once stood.

IMG_8932.JPG
David Koresh was apparently a motorcycle buff, and his bike sits here still.