Region: Prairies and Lakes
In 1881, when the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railway ("Katy" Railway) was
built south from Fort Worth toward Alvarado, it needed a good source of water
for its locomotives. The contractor who built the railway offered to purchase
land owned by local farmer and rancher the Rev. Henry C. Renfro to build a train
depot and establish a town site next to a creek. After negotiations, Renfro sold
the land with the stipulation that the new town be named after his good friend,
teacher and mentor, Dr. Rufus C. Burleson. The town of Burleson was born. The
first lot was sold on Oct. 10, 1881. This date is considered to be the town's
Founder's Day.
Nearby Cities: Cedar Hill, Decatur, Benbrook, Roanoke, Bridgeport, Seagoville, more...