If you are looking to relocate to Dallas Texas, it is important to not only understand what Dallas is today but also where Dallas came from. The city is very culturally and historically rich.
Having an American history and culture that dates back to the 1840’s contributes to the current feel and spirit of the city. Educating yourself about Dallas’ past will better prepare you to be a part of Dallas’ future.
John Neely Bryan was had a great vision for what Dallas Texas could be. In 1839, Bryan realized that the area held a perfect recipe for a successful trading post.
Seeing Native Americans to trade with, acres and acres of raw land and a river, Bryan knew that he could not pass up the opportunity to develop the area. He returned to Tennessee to close his law firm and say his goodbyes.
Bryan claimed around 640 acres. Within the 640 acres he drew out a preliminary town with a courthouse square and twenty streets.
The young city began to thrive. Those that chose to relocate to Dallas did everything they could to help the city grow.
Slowly but surely the city became integrated into the growth of the United States. The railroads arrived in Dallas in the 1870’s, the Federal Reserve Bank in 1914, Southern Methodist University in 1915, Dallas Love Field Airport in 1927, the Texas Centennial Exposition in 1936, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport in 1973 and the Republican National Convention in 1984.
Not only did Dallas thrive in the public sphere, but it also thrived in the private sphere. The entrepreneurs that were brave enough to move to Dallas to start their own company formed the backbone of the city, enabling the public sphere to thrive.
The citizens of Dallas were not only hard workers, but also enjoyed the finer things of life. Neiman Marcus opened in downtown Dallas in 1907, bringing with it a flare for fashion and elegant living.
J.S. Armstrong opened an exclusive high end shopping development just north of the city. This shopping development, Highland Park, became very popular amongst the citizens of Dallas.
Dallas was also able to partake in the oil drilling industry. Although, Dallas never had an oil well of its own, the largest petroleum deposit in the 1930’s was struck just 100 miles east of Dallas.
After C.M. “Dad” Joiner struck oil, Dallas became a financial and technical center to support the oil industry nearby. The finding of oil helped the commercial and industrial aspects of Dallas’ economy.
Although the 1960’s were not a particularly pleasant or peaceful time for many cities within the United States, this time proved to be especially difficult for Dallas. One of Dallas’ darkest days came on November 22, 1963, when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated on a downtown street.
The United States looked to Dallas, questioning the integrity of the city as a whole. It was time for Dallas to step up to the plate and take the skepticism of the nation as an opportunity to improve and grow.
Improve and grow is exactly what Dallas did. The Dallas Cowboys football team received national attention, the city produced entrepreneurs such as Ross Perot and Mary Kay Ash, the Dallas Market and Six Flags opened nearby.
In 1965, Dallas made an agreement with Fort Worth to build an airport that would serve both regions. The Dallas Fort Worth International Airport opened in 1973, making Dallas the inland port that Bryan had always dreamed of.
As the 1990’s began, Fortune Magazine named Dallas/Fort Worth the No. 1 business center in the land. Dallas’ economy was booming and provided the perfect atmosphere for Dallas to become a leader in the convention, meetings and tourism industry.
Even now Dallas is one of the leading convention destinations in the United States. Dallas leads the country in convention destinations mainly because the city has excellent convention and meeting facilities, world-class accommodations, numerous restaurants and endless variety of entertainment and recreational opportunities.
Dallas was underwent a rejuvenation of it’s downtown, rejuvenating the spirit of the city. The Dallas Arts District, the West End Historic District and the downtown hotels offer a sophisticated and up to date feel without losing the culture and history of Dallas.
Knowing where Dallas originated and the premises it was built on is a good place to start when deciding whether or not Dallas is the place for you. The history of Dallas will help you to weigh the pros and cons of relocating to the city.
Terry Daniels is a resident of Texas and has written hundreds of articles relating to tourism and real estate. He recommends (http://alltexasaptlocators.com) for your next home in Texas.
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