The Presidential Corridor - McDade, Texas McDade Located on Loop 223 off US 290, McDade was established in 1871 and named for james McDade, a Brenham lawyer.
Livestock is the mainstay of the town's agriculture-based economy.
Also, the sandy soil produced abundant and delicious watermelons. The annual Watermelon Festival dates back to 1948 and is now held the second Saturday in July. The historical museum is open during the festival and by appointment at other times. There is an historical marker on Highway 290 and another at the old Rock Front Saloon, site of the famous Revenge Gunfight of 1883. All the news worth hearing is free.