Region: Prairies and Lakes
In 1841, John Neely Bryan laid claim to this area and built a single log
cabin. He envisioned a commerce center that capitalized on the expanse of land
and its river. With the arrival of the railroad in the mid-1870s, Dallas became
a thriving business town and market center. An influx of French, German, Swiss
and English immigrants—highly skilled and cultured—gave Dallas a cosmopolitan
air unmatched on the frontier.
Neiman Marcus was founded here in 1907, followed by a Federal Reserve Bank in
1914, Southern Methodist University in 1915 and Dallas Love Field Airport in
1927. "Dad" Joiner struck oil nearby on the East Texas Oil Field in 1930, and
the Texas Centennial Exposition was held here in 1936. With DFW International
Airport's opening in 1973, Bryan's dream of a major inland port was
accomplished.
Dallas boasts more shopping centers per capita than any other U.S. city and
is home to America's oldest shopping center, Highland Park Village. Other
well-known shopping centers include Galleria Dallas, North Park Center, West
Village and Mockingbird Station.
Dallasites pursue art and culture with almost as much enthusiasm as shopping.
Collector and philanthropist Raymond Nasher and his late wife, Patsy, gifted
Dallas with the $70 million Nasher Sculpture Center, in the Dallas Arts
District. The Latino Cultural Center is buzzing with multicultural activities
and artistic endeavors.
The Dallas Farmers Market, open daily in downtown, is one of the largest
open-air markets in the country. In addition to fresh produce, visitors also
enjoy classes and special events.
There are more than 12 entertainment districts within a short distance of
downtown, each offering its own mixture of arts, culture, shopping, dining and
fun: Dallas Arts District, Fair Park, Deep Ellum, Main Street, Greenville
Avenue, Knox-Henderson, Uptown, West Village, West End, Oaklawn, Mockingbird
Station and the Bishop Arts District.
Also experience live theater, comedy, drama and outstanding opera. The Dallas
Summer Musicals are held June through October at the Music Hall in Fair Park,
with the last production running through the State Fair of Texas. Held in the
fall, the State Fair draws more than three million visitors to experience
livestock and horse competitions, Big Tex, Fletcher's famous corny dogs,
big-name entertainers, the annual Texas-OU football game, the Grambling-Prairie
View football game and a huge midway with the "Texas Star" Ferris wheel, the
tallest in the northern hemisphere.
Six professional sports teams make their homes in the Dallas area: The Dallas
Cowboys (NFL), Dallas Mavericks (NBA), Dallas Stars (NHL), Dallas Desperados
(AFL), FC Dallas (MLS) and Texas Rangers (MLB).
The Dallas Area Rapid Transit System provides service to shopping and
entertainment in Dallas, Garland, Plano and Richardson. The Trinity River
Express commuter line links DART customers to DFW International Airport and
downtown Fort Worth. For schedules and fares, visit www.dart.org.
Dallas City Parks and Recreation Department offers year-round indoor and
outdoor activities at many recreational facilities and parks.
214/670-4100.