Dallas is a city familiar to many but truly understood by few.

From its Wild West roots, to oil rigs, NFL Cowboys, and the infamous mysteries from JFK to J.R., Dallas defies easy definition. It's a place wrapped in intrigue, with its past remaining vivid through a constant reinvention of the present.

However, the Dallas character has always been shaped by pride in deliberate efforts. It's not just about bigger being better in Texas—purposeful reinvention lies at the core of Dallas' ongoing narrative.

We didn’t just do it first, we did it the

Dallas way.

Dallas is a city known to many, but truly understood by few.

From its rugged Wild West beginnings to its oil-rich legacy, the NFL Cowboys, and the enigmatic stories from JFK to J.R., Dallas resists simple definitions. It's a place filled with intrigue, where the past remains vivid through an ongoing reinvention in the present.

Yet, the essence of Dallas is deeply rooted in a deliberate sense of pride. It's not just about the Texas motto of "bigger is better"—intentional reinvention is at the heart of Dallas' continuing story.

We didn't just accomplish it first, we did it the Dallas way.

How Dallas Came to Be

Founded in 1841 as a trading post along the Trinity River.

Railroad construction in the 1870s established Dallas as a transportation hub.

The discovery of oil in East Texas in the early 20th century further boosted the local economy as Dallas became a center for oil financing and distribution.

Making Moves

In 1871, Dallas lawmakers paid the Houston & Texas Central Railway (H&TC) $5,000 to move its tracks 20 miles west, ensuring the railroad passed directly through Dallas, rather than through Corsicana, which was the original plan.

How Dallas Came to Be

Dallas began its journey in 1841, emerging as a modest trading post along the Trinity River. This foundation played a crucial role as the city grew and evolved with time. A pivotal shift occurred in the 1870s. Railroad construction during this period was a transformative phase, establishing the city as a central transportation hub.

The strategic move by Dallas lawmakers came in 1871. They decided to pay the Houston & Texas Central Railway (H&TC) $5,000 to reroute its tracks 20 miles west. This ensured Dallas, rather than Corsicana, became the vital railway path. With the railway passing directly through it, Dallas secured its place on the map, paving the way for future economic growth.

World War II brought industrial growth, with factories producing aircraft parts and military supplies.

The emergence of the technology and telecommunications industries, including the founding of Texas Instruments in 1951, laid the groundwork for the city’s future as
a tech hub.

In the 1920s, Dallas undertook the monumental task of rerouting the Trinity River, a decision driven by both necessity and ambition. The primary catalyst for this massive engineering project was the catastrophic flood of 1908, which inundated much of downtown Dallas. This natural disaster highlighted the urgent need for flood control measures to protect the burgeoning city from future calamities.The flood of 1908 was one of the worst in Dallas's history, causing extensive damage to infrastructure and displacing thousands of residents. The city's leaders recognized that without significant intervention, the Trinity River posed a continual threat to Dallas's growth and prosperity. As a result, they embarked on a plan to straighten and channelize the river, moving it away from the city center to mitigate flood risks.Beyond flood control, the rerouting of the Trinity River was also part of a broader vision to transform Dallas into a modern urban center. By relocating the river, the city could reclaim valuable land for development, paving the way for new infrastructure, businesses, and residential areas. This ambitious project was seen as a way to enhance the city's economic potential and attract new investments.The decision to move the Trinity River was emblematic of the 'Dallas Way'—a forward-thinking approach characterized by bold, transformative projects aimed at fostering growth and innovation. This spirit of progress and resilience is a defining feature of Dallas's character, as the city continually adapts to challenges and seizes opportunities to redefine its landscape.Today, the legacy of the Trinity River project is evident in Dallas's thriving urban environment. The rerouting not only safeguarded the city from future floods but also laid the groundwork for its expansion and modernization. This historical endeavor reflects Dallas's commitment to shaping its destiny, a theme that resonates with the city's ongoing efforts to celebrate its history and embrace new developments, such as the new convention center experience.

In the early 1900s, Dallas rose as an industrial hub due to its strategic location and infrastructure. The city became a major center for the cotton industry, with the Dallas Cotton Exchange crucial to its economy. Its place on major rail lines facilitated this trade globally. As commerce flourished, so did the banking and financial sectors, establishing Dallas as a financial center in the Southwest. Additionally, its proximity to cattle ranches spurred the meatpacking industry, boosting the local economy and reinforcing Dallas’s role in agriculture.

Dallas is a city known to many but truly understood by few.

From its Wild West roots to its oil-rich legacy, the NFL Cowboys, and the infamous mysteries from JFK to J.R., the city's narrative is filled with history and innovation. More than ever, Dallas defies easy definitions, making big moves to craft a better, brighter future.

With an eye on the future, Dallas makes purposeful reinvention a cornerstone of its ongoing journey. Each transformation, however ambitious, is designed to celebrate the city's vibrant heritage while pioneering new paths in the present. In Dallas, big moves aren't just about becoming bigger—they're about ensuring the future aligns with the essence of the Dallas brand and the celebrated Dallas way. Embracing new opportunities as they arise, Dallas continues to redefine itself, reflecting and preserving its multi-faceted past.

Over the years, Dallas has worked to shed this negative image by embracing its diverse culture, history, and community spirit. The city has made significant strides in promoting inclusivity and celebrating its rich heritage, transforming its identity from the 'City of Hate' to a vibrant metropolis known for its innovation, hospitality, and cultural diversity.

The transformation of Dallas into a vibrant, inclusive metropolis is significantly credited to the leadership of its new mayor, a former Texas Instruments executive. He fostered a culture of innovation and inclusivity, attracting new businesses and boosting the local economy. Key strategies included community engagement and transparency, utilizing open forums for citizen input. The mayor prioritized education and workforce development, collaborating with educational institutions for skill-enhancing programs. Cultural preservation was also emphasized, celebrating Dallas's diverse heritage to instill pride. Infrastructure improvements, particularly in public transportation, were prioritized, enhancing livability. Lastly, through strategic marketing, Dallas was successfully rebranded as a progressive and diverse city.

Dallas's transformation into a vibrant metropolis is attributed to its new mayor, a former Texas Instruments executive. Through innovation and inclusivity, he attracted businesses and boosted the economy. Key strategies included community engagement and transparency, along with open forums for citizen input. He prioritized education and workforce development in partnership with educational institutions. Infrastructure upgrades, particularly in public transportation, were emphasized, along with cultural preservation to celebrate Dallas’s diverse heritage. Lastly, Dallas was rebranded as a progressive, diverse city through strategic marketing.

Dallas's transformation into a vibrant metropolis, led by its new mayor, a former Texas Instruments executive, focuses on innovation and inclusivity. Key strategies include community engagement, transparency, and citizen forums. Prioritizing education and infrastructure upgrades, particularly in public transportation, the city embraces cultural preservation and rebrands itself as a progressive and diverse hub.

The new mayor who played a pivotal role in transforming Dallas after it was labeled the 'City of Hate' was Erik Jonsson. He took office in 1964, a year after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, which had cast a shadow over the city.

We're dedicated to taking bold actions that advance Dallas into the future.

Our unwavering commitment to innovation continually propels Dallas forward.

Pioneering steps are at the heart of our mission to push Dallas ahead.

Dallas refuses to rest on its laurels, always pushing forward by integrating fresh concepts to create new opportunities.

Recording Playback