Branch Davidian Compound in Axtell, Texas

Near Axtell, Texas, 20 miles north-east of Waco was a large group of buildings known as the Mount Carmel Center once used by the Branch Davidian religious group. Named after the Biblical mountain Mount Carmel in Israel, the Davidians (later Branch Davidians) lived in relatively peaceful isolation from the Waco community. As a city with deep religious roots itself, Waco generally accepted the Branch Davidians and allowed them to practice their religious beliefs without interference. That ended in 1987 when the group gained local media attention due to a shootout at the New Mount Carmel Center. Vernon Howell, who later changed his name to David Koresh in 1990, had assumed leadership of the Branch Davidians after a power struggle which led to the shootout with rival leader George Roden. Shortly after, Koresh began incorporating radical ideas into his messages. Claiming God had instructed him to build an army to prepare for the end of days, he encouraged the group to begin stockpiling ammunition and weapons. He also claimed he was instructed by God to procreate with the women to establish a "House of David" and, while his only legal marriage was to Rachel Jones when she was 14 years o…