Waco Investigation, 1961-2000, undated, bulk: 1993-2000

The first series documents Reavis’ research into the raid, siege and burning of the Branch Davidians’ Mount Carmel Center near Waco, Texas by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF) and the FBI, as well as background on the Branch Davidian religious sect who lived there. Most materials arrived in one accession and have been arranged in Reavis’ original order.

The main purpose of the investigation was for his book, The Ashes of Waco, and this series reflects that, although Reavis’ research went beyond the book’s publication, as his role as an investigator/expert expanded. He also inter-filed post-publication documents with those for his book research. For all these reasons a more overarching series title is used.

There are 12 sub-series. Please note: all audio and video materials and computer disks pertaining to the Waco investigation and book are in Series IX and X, respectively. Supplemental published materials on Waco that Reavis donated and that have been cataloged are also available. Search the Alkek Library on-line catalog or ask an archivist to see the printed list of these resources.