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Over this past year I’ve been taking a look at my world/worlds – a world that has had more than one location over the years and it’s been fun reliving memories of beautiful places I have lived and traveled to, both alone and with my family. The one place I realized that I have avoided is my birthplace, Dallas, Texas. But I was born in Dallas; I attended/graduated from the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas, located about 35 miles north of Dallas. My first and third child were born in Dallas and that third one – my son, David, still lives there. So, today I decided to take a look at that part of my world – never a favorite, but nevertheless, one with an interesting and sad history.
Dallas skyline today.
Before Texas was claimed in the 18th century as a part of the Viceroyalty of New Spain by the Spanish Empire, the Dallas area was inhabited by the Caddo Native Americans. Later, France also claimed the area, but in 1819 the Adams-Onís Treaty made the Red River the northern boundary of New Spain, officially placing Dallas well within Spanish territory. The area remained under Spanish rule until 1821, when Mexico declared independence from Spain and the area became part of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas. In 1836, the Republic of Texas broke off from Mexico to become an independent nation. In 1839, four years into the Republic's existence, Warren Angus Ferris surveyed the area around present-day Dallas. Two years later, John Neely Bryan established a permanent settlement that later became the city of Dallas. The Republic of Texas was then annexed by the United States in 1845 and Dallas County was established the following year. It is uncertain whether the city was named after George Mifflin Dallas, the U.S. Vice President under James Knox Polk.
Dallas, like many other cities in the world, was founded along a river. The city was founded at the location of a "white rock crossing" of the Trinity River, where it was easier for wagons to cross the river in the days before ferries or bridges. The Trinity River, though not usefully navigable, is the major waterway through the city.
Big Tex of the State Fair of Texas
Southern Methodist University
In 1963 I had returned to the University in Denton and on that sunny Friday of November 22, I had driven into Dallas to go to the dentist. I arrived at the Dental School for my appointment just after 12:00 pm. The first thing that I saw as I walked towards the building was everyone standing around outside, stunned looks on their faces and that was how I learned of the assassination of John F. Kennedy. It is one of those days that remain as clear in my mind as yesterday.
Dealy Plaza where the shooting of President J.F. Kennedy took place.
Still, I do enjoy my occasional trips back to Dallas to visit David, meet up with other relatives -- all of whom still live in Texas. Of all the cities in Texas I think that San Antonio and Dallas are among the prettiest and most interesting. It is interesting what makes up each of our worlds from day to day, from year to year.
