Dallas - Surroundings

Canton is known for its First Monday Trade Days. Originally started in the 1850's, this market tradition has continued since then with a trading and flea market held the first Monday of each month.

Carrollton (pop. 110,000) is located north of Dallas. The Old Downtown area features a central square and a variety of shops.

Built in 1907, the house displays furniture and artifacts from the early 1900's. A.W. Perry was one of the pioneer settlers who helped to develop the area.

Cedar Hill (pop. 30,000) was established in the 1850's on the Gulf, Colorado, and Santa Fe Railroad. Nearby Joe Pool Lake and Cedar Hill State Park offer a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities.

Corsicana was the first oil boom town in Texas when oil was discovered there in 1884. There are a number of historic homes and buildings in the town dating back over a hundred years.

Three lakes in the area make the town a popular base for water related activities such as boating, fishing, skiing and camping.

The Pioneer Village is a re-created log cabin village from pioneer days.

Housed in the 1892 Decatur Baptist Church, the Wise County Heritage Museum's collection includes American Indian artifacts, art work, and items related to the history of the area.

Denton (pop. 86,000) is home to The University of North Texas and Texas Woman's University, the largest womens' university in the country. Of historical interest in the city is the restored 1895 courthouse.

Located in the small town of Edgewood, the Heritage Park Museum displays several historical buildings, agricultural equipment, tools, and clothing dating back to the 1800's. Staff dressed in period demonstrate pioneer skills and techniques.

Ennis (pop. 16,800) developed in 1871 when the railroad reached the town. Today the area is a large cotton producing region. The town features an historic district with numerous old buildings.

The museum features items related to the Houston and Texas Central Railroad which ran through Ennis.

Garland (pop. 200,000) is located northeast of Dallas. The city is home to the Garland Symphony and Amber University.

Grapevine (pop. 40,000), named for the wild mustang grapes which grew in the area, was established in the mid 1800's. Most of Main Street is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and many of the buildings have been restored.

The museum displays antique and contemporary hand painted porcelain.

Greenville (pop. 25,500) is located northeast of Dallas. The area is a cotton growing area and supports a number of modern industries. The town is also the gateway to Lake Tawakoni, popular for it's water sports.

The American Cotton Museum features displays pertaining to the history of the cotton industry. Also on display are exhibits on select celebrities and World War II. Located on the museum grounds is the Greek-Revival style Ende-Gaillard House, the city's oldest house.

The area around Paris was settled in the early 1800's and still maintains a number of historical buildings and old homes. The town also boasts a 65 foot tall Eiffel tower replica with a cowboy hat on top.

This 1868 High Italianate Victorian house belonged to Sam Bell Maxey, a former U.S. senator. On display in the house are Maxey heirlooms and Civil War memorabilia.

Plano (pop. 220,000) is located just north of Dallas. The town offers an historic downtown area with a turn of the century feel. Hot-air balloon races held annually in September have led to the town being referred to as the "Balloon Capital of Texas".

This 1891 farmhouse is located on four acres which include a windmill and other outbuildings. The restored farm and grounds are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The town is named after the many sulphur springs in the area. Dairy and cattle production are the base of the town's economy.

This exhibit in the city library contains more than 150 unique antique music boxes.

This dairy-barn style complex depicts the history of the local dairy industry.

Located east of Dallas, Terrell (pop. 15,000) was established in 1873 with the coming of the railroad. The town is home of Southwestern Christina College and Trinity Valley Junior College.

Located in the 1904 Carnegie building, the Terrell Heritage Museum features displays related to the local history and art.

South of Dallas, Waxahachie (pop. 22,000) was once located on the Chisholm Trail. Today the town features many old Victorian style homes.

The Renaissance Revival style courthouse was built in 1895 by James Riely Gordon. The building was constructed of red granite and sandstone and the exterior was carved by Italian artisans brought over from Italy.

The museum displays historical artifacts related to the local history including photos, household items, and toys.