Dallas

Already in 1842, the city had its present name. It is still a subject of controversy, after whom it was named. There are different versions. The most likely, historians believe that the name of Dallas was carried by Joseph Dallas, the best friend of one of the founding fathers (Bryan).

Anyway, his son-in-law and father-in-law were successful in business, and already in 1846, Dallas and its surroundings did not only have active trade but also had planted cotton plantations. In addition, a hotel, a private school, and a church were opened here. The first newspaper in the city, which by then had already been a part of the United States, together with the state of Texas, began to be published in 1848. Two more years later, a factory was built to produce bricks and building materials. This event started the so-called period of a construction boom, which continued in Dallas until the early 1960s when the civil war broke out. 

Alexander Cockrell is another person who had played a significant role in the formation and development of Dallas. He bought land from John Neely Bryan and, in 1855, built a bridge across the Trinity River and established a sawmill. Later, Cockrell's wife, Sarah, opened a hotel and a mill here. 

Dallas received the official status of the city in 1856. At that time, there were already over 2,000 people living here. In 1872, a railway line was laid.

By the beginning of the XX century, Dallas had already been an important trading center of cotton, grain, and livestock. In the 1930s, a reservoir of oil was found a hundred miles away, making the city a leader in the oil industry in Texas and Oklahoma. 

During World War II, Dallas was actively producing equipment for military use. After the war, Dallas continued to develop in all industries. In 1974, Fort Worth Dallas Airport was built here. 

Today, Dallas is a modern metropolis, a center of finance, manufacturing, computer technology, and fashion industry. Here, skyscrapers adjoin the unique buildings of the XIX century, and there is a vibrant nightlife. It is no coincidence that this city has an unofficial name — "Big D". Every year it is visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists.

An exciting event in Dallas is the State Fair of Texas, which is accompanied by costume processions through the streets of the city. It begins at the end of September and lasts for two weeks. Traditionally, several million people attend this event. At the fair, you can visit exhibitions and workshops, buy souvenirs, and ride attractions.

In early May, the JMBLYA festival is held in Dallas. It will attract the attention of fans of musical styles of all directions. At the same time, the city hosts a large-scale exhibition of guitars — Dallas International Guitar Festival.

• View the neighborhood by climbing the 50th floor of the Reunion Tower. This is where the popular observation deck is located. From a height of 170 meters, the city spreads out before you.
• View the "Sixth Floor Museum", the building from which the fatal shot at U.S. President John F. Kennedy was made. Today, the former "Texas School Book Depositary", at the intersection of Houston and Elm Streets, is visited by numerous groups of tourists. In addition to the museum, it houses part of the Dallas County administration. Tour guides will tell you all about the tragic event of 1963 and even offer literature on the subject. Besides, you will learn a lot about the murderer of the President — Lee Harvey Oswald, who had got a job in the bookstore a few months before the crime.
• Take an unforgettable photo on the background of a bronze composition of 70 bulls and cows, which are chased by three cowboys. Animals and humans are captured in life-size. The unusual object is located on the Pioneer Plaza, opposite the Town Hall, and is considered to be the symbol of the city.
• Enjoy the architecture of the Gothic Cathedral Santuario de la Virgen de Guadalupe. This church, with its pointed arches and stunning stained-glass windows, built by an unknown architect in 1898, is considered to be one of the first parish communities in the city. The temple has an organ.
• Appreciate the majesty of the skyscrapers. They are considered to be the landmark of Dallas and are located mainly in the central district. The famous Bank of America (281 m) and the Renaissance Tower buildings (270 m) are a must-see.
• Take a look at Via Swiss-Avenue. It is decorated with buildings that had been constructed from 1880 to 1950. The architectural styles range from Victorian to Modern.
• Take a ride on a retro tram. It runs along historic McKinney Avenue. There are five vintage trains on the route, which take passengers on the tram tracks, that were found accidentally, during the repair of the street.
• Admire the architecture of buildings of the XIX century. To do that, visit the historic West End district. It's home to shops, museums, art studios, and restaurants.
• Take a walk or bike ride through historic Old City Park. It is home to the "founding days" of the city, beautiful trees, and flowerbeds.
• Visit the Dallas World Aquarium and Dallas Zoo. The first is a popular indoor zoo with sloths, monkeys, exotic birds, and rare sea creatures. Children especially like this place. The second is a large zoo where you can see an elephant and a giraffe in one cage. The area with rare predators and an artificial pond with waterfowl also attract visitors.
• Try the local cuisine. Dallas is called "the city of restaurants." That's why you must choose at least one of the 1,500 gastronomic establishments that literally dwell on every local quarter. The French Room (French and American cuisine) is considered to be quite prestigious. You can drink beer of every taste at the Meddlesome Moth restaurant. Seafood of all kinds is traditionally served at Kenny's Wood Fired Grill. The peculiarities of national cuisine include cooking meat and vegetables on an open fire. Dallas' "iconic dishes" include shrimps in garlic sauce and grilled fish.