
The cities of Dallas and nearby Fort Worth were initially developed due to the construction of major railroad lines through the area allowing access to cotton, cattle and later oil in North and East Texas.
What are some interesting facts about Dallas Texas?
Dallas Stats and Fun Facts
- Population. Dallas is the 9th largest city in the US and the third largest in Texas with a population of 1,281,047.
- Metropolitan Statistical Area. ...
- Location. ...
- Elevation
- Taxes (Sales, Hotel Occupancy)
- Annual Visitors
- Hotel Rooms. ...
- Accessibility. ...
- Climate. ...
- Business Climate. ...
Who founded Dallas TX?
The city was founded by John Neely Bryan, who settled on the east bank of the Trinity near a natural ford in November 1841. Bryan had picked the best spot for a trading post to serve the population migrating into the region.
Why is Dallas important to Texas?
What Dallas is famous for?
- Dallas Cowboys. Perhaps the most famous sports team in the country calls Dallas home.
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.
- Dallas Television Show.
- Big Tex and the Texas State Fair.
- Assassination of John F.
- 7-Eleven.
- Highland Park Village.
What is the best thing to do in Dallas TX?
- See a performance at the Music Hall at Fair Park.
- Be surrounded by sharks and walk through a tropical rainforest at The Dallas World Aquarium.
- Grab lunch and some fresh produce from The Dallas Farmers Market.
- Take a Historic Dallas Segway Tour.
See more

Why was Dallas built where it is?
Settlement (1839–1855) John Neely Bryan, looking for a good trading post to serve Native Americans and settlers, first surveyed the Dallas area in 1839, perhaps drawn by the intersection of Caddo trails at one of the few natural fords for hundreds of miles along the wide Trinity floodplain.
How Dallas was founded?
1841Dallas / Founded
Why is Dallas so important?
The city has a long and important history, but its most well-known historical event was the tragedy that occurred on Nov. 22, 1963. The assassination of President John F. Kennedy shocked the nation, and residents and visitors of Dallas can learn about the history of the JFK assassination in the Sixth Floor Museum.
What's the oldest city in Texas?
Considered to be the oldest town in Texas, Nacogdoches was founded in 1779 by Don Antonio Gil Y'Barbo. This quaint little town is booming with history and stories from years past beginning with the Caddo Indians, who lived in the area before the Spanish, through the present day.
Why is it named Dallas?
Named after Joseph Dallas, who settled near Dallas in 1843.
Why are so many people moving to Dallas?
High Levels of Activity. Dallas is unique, considering everything we have at our fingertips – fine dining, high-level sports and entertainment, art, museums, outdoor activities, a lively music scene, and great weather.
Why do people like Dallas Texas?
Whether you're a small business owner or job seeker, you'll love living in a city that boasts one of the strongest local economies nationwide. The Dallas employment market is thriving, the housing market is hot and the city is home to dozens of the wealthiest Americans.
Is Dallas TX hotter than Atlanta?
Both cities feature subtropical climates, meaning residents can expect hot and humid summers with mild winters. While Dallas is a slightly hotter city than Atlanta, it's also less humid and rains less.
When did Dallas start?
April 2, 1978Dallas (Classic Series) / First episode dateDallas, American television soap opera that revolutionized prime-time drama and was one of the most popular programs of the 1980s. Dallas started as a five-part miniseries on CBS in April 1978 and continued to air for 13 full seasons (1978–91), becoming one of the era's signature shows and a global phenomenon.
When was Dallas Cowboys founded?
1960Dallas Cowboys / FoundedTeam History Founded in 1960, the Cowboys had their first winning season in 1966. The Cowboys of the 1970s and early 1980s became known as “America's Team” after dominating their regular seasons and winning two Super Bowls under head coach Tom Landry.
Where was Dallas from in Forrest Gump?
Phoenix nativeDallas was a Phoenix native who was a U.S. soldier who fought in the Vietnam War under Lieutenant Dan Taylor, During an ambush, many platoon mates are killed, but Forrest Gump carries a wounded Dallas and other soldiers out of the jungle.
What was invented in Dallas?
Top 10 Inventions DFW Gave the WorldChili. Corsicana, 1895.State Song of Texas – 'Texas, Our Texas' Fort Worth, 1924.The American Shopping Center. Highland Park, 1931.The Wash-A-Teria. Fort Worth, 1936.The Corny Dog. Fair Park, 1938-42.Liquid Paper. Dallas, 1951.The Microchip. Dallas, 1958.Super Bowl. Dallas, 1966.More items...•
What year did Dallas flood?
Dallas also flooded in 1849, 1854 and 1866. The town lacked levees or dikes, so the floods caused great destruction to the city and left many homeless. A replica of John Neely Bryan Cabin is pictured in Founders Plaza on Elm Street in downtown Dallas. The Old Red Courthouse rises above the cabin.
What is curious Texas?
Curious Texas is a special project from The Dallas Morning News. You ask questions, our journalists find answers.
When did Dallas become a settlement?
Dallas did not become a permanent settlement until 1841, when John Neely Bryan — a trader, a lawyer and Dallas’ founder — arrived. Bryan, a Tennessee native, moved around the South until he heard about the uninhabited land in the region called the Three Forks of the Trinity, which we now know as North Texas.
How long was the train setup at NorthPark?
All aboard! Watch the 53-day setup for ‘The Trains at NorthPark’ in a time-lapse video
Why did the wagons stick in the muddy terrain?
The town lacked river or rail transportation, forcing Dallas’ pioneers to travel by land, but the lack of graded roads caused the wagons to stick in the muddy terrain.
Where is the John Neely Bryan cabin?
A replica of John Neely Bryan Cabin is pictured in Founders Plaza on Elm Street in downtown Dallas. The Old Red Courthouse rises above the cabin. (Tom Fox / Staff Photographer)
Where is the reunion tower in Dallas?
Reunion Tower and the Hyatt Dallas (left), and Union Station (white building) are pictured from The Dallas Morning News roof on Young St. in downtown Dallas, Monday, December 4, 2017. ( (Tom Fox / Staff Photographer) The push for a railroad system in Dallas led to the construction of Union Station in 1916.
What is East Dallas known for?
East Dallas is home to Deep Ellum, a trendy arts area close to Downtown, the homey Lakewood neighborhood (and adjacent areas, including Lakewood Heights, Wilshire Heights, Lower Greenville, Junius Heights, and Hollywood Heights/Santa Monica ), historic Vickery Place and Bryan Place, and the architecturally significant neighborhoods of Swiss Avenue and Munger Place. Its historic district has one of the largest collections of Frank Lloyd Wright -inspired prairie-style homes in the United States. In the northeast quadrant of the city is Lake Highlands, one of Dallas's most unified middle-class neighborhoods.
How big is the Dallas Zoo?
The city is also home to Texas's first and largest zoo, the 106-acre (0.43 km 2) Dallas Zoo, which opened at its current location in 1888.
What is Central Dallas?
Central Dallas is anchored by Downtown, the center of the city, along with Oak Lawn and Uptown, areas characterized by dense retail, restaurants, and nightlife. Downtown Dallas has a variety of named districts, including the West End Historic District, the Arts District, the Main Street District, Farmers Market District, the City Center Business District, the Convention Center District, and the Reunion District. "Hot spots" in this area include Uptown, Victory Park, Harwood, Oak Lawn, Dallas Design District, Trinity Groves, Turtle Creek, Cityplace, Knox/Henderson, Greenville, and West Village .
How many preserves are there in Dallas County?
Dallas hosts three of the twenty-one preserves of the extensive 3,200 acres (13 km 2) Dallas County Preserve System. The Joppa Preserve, the McCommas Bluff Preserve, and the Cedar Ridge Preserve are within the Dallas city limits. The Cedar Ridge Preserve was known as the Dallas Nature Center, but the Audubon Dallas group now manages the 633-acre (2.56 km 2) natural habitat park on behalf of the city of Dallas and Dallas County. The preserve sits at an elevation of 755 feet (230 m) above sea level and offers a variety of outdoor activities, including 10 miles (16 km) of hiking trails and picnic areas.
What are some examples of skyscrapers in Dallas?
Although some of Dallas's architecture dates from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, most of the notable architecture in the city is from the modernist and postmodernist eras. Iconic examples of modernist architecture include Reunion Tower, the JFK Memorial, I. M. Pei 's Dallas City Hall and the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. Good examples of postmodernist skyscrapers are Fountain Place, Bank of America Plaza, Renaissance Tower, JPMorgan Chase Tower, and Comerica Bank Tower. Downtown Dallas also has residential offerings in downtown, some of which are signature skyline buildings.
How many stakes does the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints have?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has twenty-three stakes throughout Dallas and surrounding suburbs. The organization built the Dallas Texas Temple, the first temple in Texas, in the city in 1984. Jehovah's Witnesses also have a large number of members throughout the Dallas metropolitan division.
What are some examples of modernist architecture in Dallas?
Although some of Dallas's architecture dates from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, most of the notable architecture in the city is from the modernist and postmodernist eras. Iconic examples of modernist architecture include Reunion Tower, the JFK Memorial, I. M. Pei 's Dallas City Hall and the Morto n H. Meyerson Symphony Center. Good examples of postmodernist skyscrapers are Fountain Place, Bank of America Plaza, Renaissance Tower, JPMorgan Chase Tower, and Comerica Bank Tower. Downtown Dallas also has residential offerings in downtown, some of which are signature skyline buildings.
What happened in Big D?
The unthinkable happens in Big D On November 22, 1963, Dallas and the world were stunned when, during a presidential motorcade parade, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, close to the location where John Neely Bryan first settled the city.
Why did John Neely Bryan visit Three Forks?
John Neely Bryan originally stumbled across Three Forks in 1839, on a mission to establish a trading post for Indians and settlers. The advantages of locating at Three Forks, were that it was the easiest river crossing location, and it was located on the soon-to-be established Preston Trail.
What was the technology center in Dallas in the 1950s?
On the lighter side of Dallas Dallas became the nation's third-largest technology center during the 1950s and 1960s, with the growth of such companies as Ling-Tempco- Vought (LTV Corporation) and Texas Instruments. With the opening of the Home Furnishings Mart in 1957, the home furnishing business grew into the Dallas Market Center, ...
What was important to Dallas in 1910?
Education and the arts Bringing institutions of higher learning was important to Dallas early in its history, so that in 1910, efforts began to convince Southwestern University in Georgetown (just north of the state capital, Austin), to relocate there. They refused, but this action brought Dallas to the attention of the Methodist Church.
What happened in Dallas during the Civil War?
As Dallas prepared to enter the Civil war, public debates about this issue of secession were held and a volunteer company of soldiers was assembled. In July, a fire burned down most of the business district. Arson was suspected and two abolitionists were run out of town and three slaves were hung.
What are the major airports in Dallas?
A hub of transportation for the western U.S., Dallas is served by two commercial airports: the Dallas-Ft. Worth International Airport Dallas, which is the second largest airport in the country, and Dallas Love Field. In the surrounding area, the airports in operation are the Addison Airport, two more general aviation airports in McKinney, ...
What is the University of Texas at Dallas?
The city now hosts the University of Texas at Dallas, as well as Dallas Baptist University, which moved to Dallas from Decatur in 1965. There are many unique museums in Dallas, including the Dallas Museum of Natural History, founded in 1936. Located in the city’s arts district is the Dallas Center for Performing Arts, ...
What are the best places to visit in Dallas?
Fair Park contains extensive recreational facilities, including the Cotton Bowl (home of the annual American collegiate gridiron football classic), a music hall, several museums (including African American art, natural history, and science), a planetarium, an aquarium, a horticulture centre, and the fairgrounds of one of the country’s largest annual state expositions. The Dallas Zoo is noted for its reptile collection. Cowboys Stadium in Arlington is the home of the Dallas Cowboys (American football) and the team’s famous cheerleaders; other professional sports teams include the Texas Rangers (baseball), Dallas Mavericks (basketball), Dallas Stars (ice hockey), and FC Dallas (football [soccer]). Several lakes in and around the city provide outdoor recreational opportunities; White Rock Lake, a reservoir in the northeastern part of the city, is surrounded by parkland that includes an arboretum.
What was the growth of Dallas in the 1870s?
Commercial growth was stimulated by the arrival of the railroads in the 1870s. A huge wholesale market developed, with many of the city’s retail stores serving the American Southwest; one, Neiman-Marcus, has become internationally known. The adjacent communities of East Dallas and Oak Cliff were annexed in 1889 and 1903, respectively, greatly expanding the city’s size.
What is Dallas's economy?
Dallas’s modern economy is well diversified. A top global wholesale market, the city is the home of the Dallas Market Center (1957), one of the world’s largest wholesale merchandise complexes. In addition, it is the world headquarters of the U.S. Army and Air Force Exchange Service, which provides goods and services to military personnel. Wholesale and retail trade combine with services (particularly business, financial, and health) to form the backbone of the economy. Dallas is the leading banking, financial, and trade centre for the Southwest, and some 6,000 companies have their corporate headquarters there. The city is also a busy convention centre and a hub of airline services. It is a well-known medical centre; the headquarters of the American Heart Association is there, as are the Texas A&M College of Dentistry (1905) and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas (1943).
Where is the Dallas Cowboys stadium?
Cowboys Stadium in Arlington is the home of the Dallas Cowboys (American football) and the team’s famous cheerleaders; other professional sports teams include the Texas Rangers (baseball), Dallas Mavericks (basketball), Dallas Stars (ice hockey), and FC Dallas (football [soccer]).
What is the technology industry in Dallas?
Dallas has one of the country’s largest concentrations of telecommunications and high-technology manufacturing and services companies. The top technology fields include software production, computer services, and manufacturing of computer hardware, semiconductors, and wireless communication equipment.
What was Dallas's first major growth?
The city began a period of spectacular growth during and after World War II, when several large aircraft-manufacturing plants were established in the area. These were followed by electronics and automobile-assembly plants. Dallas was thrust abruptly into the international spotlight on November 22, 1963, when U.S. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated as he rode in a motorcade through the downtown area. Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport opened in 1974, drawing business to the region and making it an attractive location for corporate headquarters. The oil business reached its peak in the early 1980s; however, by the end of the decade the industry had gone bust, and thereafter its contribution to the economy decreased dramatically. In 1987 Annette Strauss became the city’s first elected female mayor, and in 1995 the first African American mayor, Ron Kirk, was elected.
When was the Dallas Cotton Exchange founded?
The Dallas Cotton Exchange was organized in 1907 and in the early decades of the 20th century was one of the world’s largest cotton markets. In addition, the city was a top manufacturer of cotton-ginning machinery.
About Dallas
As the ninth-largest city and part of the fourth-largest metropolitan area in the nation, Dallas covers approximately 343 square miles and has a population of 1,241,162. The ultra modern and sophisticated city attracts worldwide travelers, making the area the No. 1 visitor and leisure destination in Texas.
Dallas Fun Facts
Dallas is the largest metropolitan are in the nation not on a navigable body of water.
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas (KBHCCD) has been recognized as "The Best-Run Convention Center in America."
Experience Dallas Like a Local
From Deep Ellum to Trinity Groves and beyond, there is so much to experience in Dallas, its surrounding cities and the places we call home! You can see and do it all in Dallas' many diverse neighborhoods. Watch what makes just a few of our featured neighborhoods so special.
What is Dallas known for?
Dallas is known for its thriving economy , is home to some of the wealthiest people in the country and loves the liberty to do business. In Dallas, you’re encouraged to put your talents to work and rake in the big bucks. Also in this mecca of opportunity, expect to find:
What was the population of Dallas in 1870?
By 1870, Dallas had already grown to a population of about 3,000. By the early 20th century, Dallas was the southwestern leader of the book, pharmaceutical, liquor and jewelry markets as well as the world’s leading inland cotton manufacturer and one of the best saddlery and cotton gin machinery manufacturers in the world.
How many miles of bike trails are there in Dallas?
DART runs daily from 5 a.m. to midnight. Also, there is an abundance of bike trails throughout the Dallas metro making it possible to get around by bike. Over 100 miles of bike and hike trails exist within the city of Dallas.
What are the Fortune 500 companies in Dallas?
Fortune 500 companies: Dallas is home to 22 of America’s 500 largest companies such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T and American Airlines — not to mention dozens of other large companies that employ hundreds of people.
What are the roots of Dallas?
Art, education and sports have deep roots in Dallas and can be traced back to its early years. Popular music had been heartily welcomed in the 1920s and 1930s, and Dallas was home to performances from many great jazz and blues musicians.
What are some examples of events that take place in Dallas?
Attend an event: Festivals, concerts, parades — which do you choose? There’s always something going on in Dallas. For example, you might take part in JMBLYA, one of Dallas’s best and biggest music festivals. Join thousands to enjoy hip-hop, free water, tons of food and waterslides.
Where to spend a day in Dallas?
Immerse yourself in arts and culture: Spend a day at one of the dozens of museums like the Dallas Museum of Art or the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. Visit the many galleries, restaurants and shops in the Dallas Arts District.
Overview
Education
There are 337 public schools, 89 private schools, 38 colleges, and 32 libraries in Dallas. Dallas–Fort Worth is also home to six Nobel Laureates.
The Dallas area has a high number of colleges and universities. In addition to those in the city, the surrounding cities also have a number of universities, colleges, trade schools, and other educational institutions. The following descr…
History
The Caddo people were the original recorded inhabitants in the Dallas area before Spanish colonists claimed the territory of Texas in the 18th century as a part of the Viceroyalty of New Spain. Later, France also claimed the area but never established much settlement. In all, six flags have flown over the area preceding and during the city's history: those of France, Spain, and Mexico, the flag of th…
Geography
Dallas is situated in the Southern United States, in North Texas. It is the county seat of Dallas County and portions of the city extend into neighboring Collin, Denton, Kaufman, and Rockwall counties. Many suburbs surround Dallas; three enclaves are within the city boundaries—Cockrell Hill, Highland Park, and University Park. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a t…
Demographics
Dallas is the ninth-most-populous city in the United States and third in Texas after the cities of Houston and San Antonio. Its metropolitan area encompasses one-quarter of the population of Texas, and is the largest in the Southern U.S. and Texas followed by the Greater Houston metropolitan area. At the 2020 United States census the city of Dallas had 1,304,379 residents, an increase of 106,56…
Economy
In its beginnings, Dallas relied on farming, neighboring Fort Worth's Stockyards, and its prime location on Native American trade routes to sustain itself. Dallas' key to growth came in 1873 with the construction of multiple rail lines through the city. As Dallas grew and technology developed, cotton became its boon and by 1900, Dallas was the largest inland cotton market in the world, becoming a l…
Arts and culture
The Arts District in the northern section of Downtown is home to several arts venues and is the largest contiguous arts district in the United States. Notable venues in the district include the Dallas Museum of Art; the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, home to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and Dallas Wind Symphony; the Nasher Sculpture Center; and the Trammell & Margaret Crow Co…
Sports
The Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area is home to five major league sports teams: the Dallas Cowboys (National Football League), Dallas Mavericks (National Basketball Association), Texas Rangers (Major League Baseball), Dallas Stars (National Hockey League), and FC Dallas (Major League Soccer). It also hosts one team in a major women's league: the Dallas Wings (Women's Nationa…