Take a tour of Dallas, Texas
by Paul H. Green
Dallas is known worldwide for banking, telecommunications, computer technology, transportation, and commercialism, but will always be that old Texan delight. It has much to offer both residents and visitors alike from family fun to historical sites; Dallas has something for everyone.
Dallas is the county seat of Dallas County, located on the Trinity River. Its population was estimated at 1.2 million as of 2005. Dallas is the third largest city in the state of Texas and the ninth largest city in the United States. Many people associate the city with the television series of the name “Dallas.” The long-running TV series was filmed in Dallas from 1970 to the 1990s. Dallas is also home to the popular Dallas Cowboys football team.
Surrounding cities near Dallas include Balch Springs, Cockrell Hill, Farmers Branch, Highland Park, and University Park.
A brief history of Dallas
John Neely Bryan, a lawyer from Tennessee, discovered the area that is now called Dallas in 1839. He originally planned to establish a trading post between settlers and Indians at a site where several Caddo Native Trails joined at a rare natural ford on the Trinity River. Unfortunately, a treaty was signed before he returned and all the Indians were to be moved from North Texas. In November 1841, he decided to build a permanent colony instead. The town was called Dallas in 1842. In 1846 the Republic of Texas was annexed and Dallas County established. Dallas was incorporated on February 2, 1856.
Cotton became a main industry for Dallas during the late 1800s. In the 1900s, Dallas formed into a banking and financial center. More growth, more businesses, and more financial institutions were attracted to the city following the strike of oil in Dallas during the 1930s. Dallas continued to be a prominent city in Texas despite the fact it has no link to the sea. This is due to its position along railways and its industrial and financial tycoons.
In 2000, Dallas, like many major cities in the United States, experienced an “urban renewal.” From 1988 to 2005, not a single high-rise was built within the downtown freeway loop. Three towers began construction in 2005 amid residential conversions and small projects. By the year 2010, 10,000 residents are expected to live within the loop.
Local colleges and universities
Dallas offers many higher places of learning and is a major center of education in the South Central United States. These places of higher education include the Southern Methodist University, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas Baptist University, Paul Quinn College, University of North Texas, and University of Dallas.
Things to see and do in Dallas
Dallas has a lot to offer tourists, residents, and businesses. Families can enjoy the city's many children's attractions. Those who love history have many museums to explore, and there are several outdoor attractions for nature lovers as well.
Parents will love taking the kids to explore the Dallas World Aquarium and Zoological Gardens www.dwazoo.com
Here they can explore marine life, tour the rainforest, and see the unusual life in the South African exhibit, and much more. The 95-acre Dallas Zoo is another fun outdoor adventure that the whole family can enjoy.
Another great family activity that will provide a cool break is the Galleria Ice Skating Center. After ice-skating, the family can go shopping in the Galleria Mall, which has over 200 stores and restaurants.
Arts in Dallas
Downtown Dallas has several arts venues in the Arts District including the Dallas Museum of Art, the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, The Trammell & Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art, the Nasher Sculpture Center, the Sixth Floor Museum, the Dallas Museum of Natural History, and The Dallas Contemporary.
Dallas has an Office of Cultural Affairs as a department of the city government. The department is responsible for six cultural centers, funding for local artists and theatres, public art projects, and running the city owned radio station.
Sports
Dallas offers a wide array of choices for sport enthusiasts including the Dallas Desperados (Arena Football League), the Dallas Mavericks (National Basketball Association), the Dallas Stars (National Hockey League), the Texas Rangers (Major League Baseball), and of course America's team - the Dallas Cowboys (National Football League). Other area teams include the Dallas Harlequins (Rugby Super League) and the Frisco Rough Riders (Minor League Baseball).
Other sites of interest
At Old City Park oldcitypark.org , nature and history combine to create a great get-away for the outdoorsman or history buff. Old City Park is home to more than 37 historic buildings.
Other fun places to visit in Dallas include the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, Fair Park, Science Place, White Rock Lake Park, Reunion Tower Lookout, and the Dallas Cotton Bowl stadium.
Fair Park is a 277-acre recreational facility and educational complex. It is listed as a National Historic Landmark. The facility has six museums, a lagoon, and also North America's largest Ferris wheel.
There's also Six Flags over Texas www.sixflags.com , one of the biggest theme parks in the United States, and Hurricane Harbor, which is a large water park near Dallas.
Whether you just want to visit or you want to make Dallas your home, you are sure to fall in love with the city. You'll want to return again and again.