Dallas is considered a family-friendly city, which is also robust and business-friendly. In Dallas, you’ll find a wide variety of activities, companies, events and a very diverse population. If you expect to see cowboys and rodeos, you might be disappointed.
This city is very modern, but still evokes Texas charm and friendliness. Here we have compiled 10 facts about Dallas you might not have known.
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1. Known as The Crossroads
Dallas is considered a crossroads between New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Mexico City. Although, its initial surge in growth came with the first railroad in 1872. And, you’ll find many transplants from the mentioned cities as well.
2. Banking and Dallas goes hand in hand
In the Southwest, Dallas is the leading banking and financial center. In addition, it is the headquarters for the 11th district of the Federal Reserve Bank. Within its metropolitan area, you’ll find over 100 banks. This is good news for all the businesses opening up shop in Dallas.
3. Bonnie and Clyde lived in Dallas
Dallas was the home of the infamous couple, Bonnie and Clyde, or Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker. They, along with the Barrow Gang, committed several high-profile crimes during the Great Depression. Their love story, and crime spree, is an intriguing study.
4. Margaritas were invented in Dallas
If you’ve ever enjoyed a frozen margarita, and many of us have, you may not have known it was created in Dallas in 1971 by restaurateur Mariano Martinez. Today, you can get a frozen margarita at any bar and at any restaurant serving alcohol. In the dog days of summer, it’s the perfect refreshment for responsible drinkers.
5. The Microchip originated in Texas
Dallas is also considered a tech hub of the Southwest. In fact, mobile app development in Dallas, is booming. So, it should come as no surprise that this is the city which birthed the microchip in 1958. It was created by Jack Kilby at Texas Instruments.
6. Dallas is home of old money and architecture
Throughout history, Gargoyle structures have been used to ward off evil spirits. Yet, they also have an architectural purpose of catching water and making it pour off the building to help protect the foundation. This was the predecessor to rain gutters. You’ll find gargoyles at an old courthouse called Old Red in Dallas, which was built in 1890. The red brick building is a standout amongst a sea of gray.
7. President Kennedy visited the tomb he would be buried in just 2 weeks prior
On Nov. 11, 1963, President Kennedy laid a Veterans Day wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. Exactly two weeks later, he would be buried at the same cemetery. During a presidential motorcade in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963, John F. Kennedy was killed by Lee Harvey Oswald as he was riding in an open-topped car. The first lady, Jacqueline Kennedy was at his side. A 14-year-old boy reported hearing Jacqueline Kennedy shout, “God, oh God, no.”
8. Home of the world’s largest parking lot
The world’s largest parking lot is located at the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). If you’ve ever visited, you’ll see miles and miles of cars. It makes sense since it is one of the world’s busiest airports and the hub for American Airlines.
9. Barney The Dinosaur comes from Dallas
Dallas is home to two of public television’s most popular children’s characters:
Barney the dinosaur and Wishbone, the literature-loving dog. Remember the lyrics to this song? “I love you, you love me, we’re a happy family…”
10. Dallas is an Alpha City
Dallas is considered an “Alpha City,” which signifies its importance to the global economy. Moreover, it is the only alpha city in the South Central region of the United States.
There you have it, 10 facts about Dallas. This cosmopolitan city attracts millions of visitors and hundreds of thousands of new residents every year for its thriving economy, diverse population and job opportunities. When are you planning your next visit to Dallas?
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