Dallas History

Dallas History A visual time capsule of city streets, local spots, and everyday life from a decade that shaped modern Dallas. Real photos, real memories.

Follow for a journey through the '90s, one moment at a time.

Medical Arts Building (1940s)The Medical Arts Building at St. Paul and Pacific Streets in Dallas was a hub for medical p...
12/26/2025

Medical Arts Building (1940s)

The Medical Arts Building at St. Paul and Pacific Streets in Dallas was a hub for medical professionals in the 1940s. Patients visited daily for appointments, while doctors and staff navigated the building’s offices.
The architecture was impressive for its time, featuring detailed brickwork and a prominent façade. Surrounding streets included smaller businesses and residences. Cars and streetcars passed by regularly, reflecting the city’s busy downtown life.
The building represented Dallas’s growing healthcare infrastructure. It served as a central location for medical services for decades. Photographs show its towering presence and the bustling activity around it. The Medical Arts Building remains an important symbol of Dallas’s professional and urban history.

Corner of Elm and Field (1960s)The corner of Elm and Field Streets in Dallas during the 1960s was part of downtown’s bus...
12/25/2025

Corner of Elm and Field (1960s)

The corner of Elm and Field Streets in Dallas during the 1960s was part of downtown’s busy commercial district. Sidewalks were crowded with shoppers, office workers, and street vendors. Cars and buses moved along Elm Street, adding to the dynamic environment.
The buildings were a mix of early 20th-century construction and newer mid-century designs. Shopfronts displayed merchandise, and neon signs lit up the streets at night. The area reflected Dallas’s evolving urban identity.
People visited for work, shopping, or social gatherings. Street activity created a lively urban atmosphere. Photos capture the contrast between older architecture and modern developments of the time. The intersection remains a notable piece of Dallas’s downtown history.

Commerce St in Dallas, TX (1890)Commerce Street in downtown Dallas in 1890 was the heart of the city’s commerce. Early b...
12/25/2025

Commerce St in Dallas, TX (1890)

Commerce Street in downtown Dallas in 1890 was the heart of the city’s commerce. Early buildings were mostly two- to three-story brick structures. Horse-drawn wagons moved goods, while pedestrians navigated the crowded sidewalks.
Street lamps and signs were simple, marking the city’s early commercial activity. Shops sold essential goods, and small offices lined the avenue. The street’s layout reflected the city’s original grid pattern.
This area was central to Dallas’s growth as a trade and business hub. Photos show narrow streets, early architecture, and daily activity. Commerce Street was a vital artery connecting businesses and residents. The street remains a key part of Dallas’s historical identity.

NorthPark Center (1960s)NorthPark Center opened in Dallas in 1965 on a former cotton field. It quickly became one of the...
12/25/2025

NorthPark Center (1960s)

NorthPark Center opened in Dallas in 1965 on a former cotton field. It quickly became one of the city’s largest shopping centers. Shoppers explored a mix of department stores, boutiques, and restaurants.
The architecture featured clean, modern lines and wide indoor spaces. Parking lots were filled with classic 1960s cars. Families and young adults visited for leisure, shopping, and entertainment.
Its opening marked a turning point in Dallas retail culture. The mall represented the city’s embrace of modern consumer trends and suburban development. Photos show crowds, signage, and the bustling activity around the center. NorthPark Center became a cultural and commercial hub for Dallas residents.

Maple Ave north of Wycliff (1900)At the turn of the 20th century, Maple Avenue in Dallas was transitioning from rural la...
12/25/2025

Maple Ave north of Wycliff (1900)

At the turn of the 20th century, Maple Avenue in Dallas was transitioning from rural land to a residential street. Small homes and open plots lined the avenue. Horse-drawn carts and early automobiles shared the road.
Street trees and fences marked the early development, while sidewalks were modest and sometimes uneven. Residents walked along the road, tending to chores or visiting neighbors.
This area captures Dallas before large-scale commercial development. The architecture was simple but functional, reflecting the city’s early suburban expansion. The street’s layout provided a glimpse into life in Dallas neighborhoods during 1900. The scene is an essential part of understanding the city’s growth over time.

Meadows Building (1950s)The Meadows Building on Greenville Avenue in Dallas was a landmark of mid-century modern archite...
12/25/2025

Meadows Building (1950s)

The Meadows Building on Greenville Avenue in Dallas was a landmark of mid-century modern architecture. Its clean lines and functional design represented the city’s growing commercial sophistication. People entered and exited offices, reflecting the area’s role as a business hub.
Surrounding streets featured smaller shops, cafés, and parking spaces. Cars from the 1950s moved through the area, adding movement and energy. The building attracted local businesses, professionals, and visitors.
Its presence highlighted Dallas’s expanding commercial districts beyond the downtown core. The neighborhood was vibrant, reflecting trends in architecture and urban planning. Photos show the building’s striking façade, which stood as a modern statement for the city. The Meadows Building became an enduring symbol of Dallas’s mid-century development.

Ervay and Live Oak (1970s)Looking at the intersection of Ervay and Live Oak Streets in Dallas during the 1970s captures ...
12/24/2025

Ervay and Live Oak (1970s)

Looking at the intersection of Ervay and Live Oak Streets in Dallas during the 1970s captures a lively urban scene. Streets were lined with shops, small offices, and occasional restaurants. Pedestrians filled the sidewalks, and cars moved steadily along the roads.
Neon signs and storefronts highlighted the commercial activity of downtown Dallas. Streetlights illuminated the area as evening approached. The neighborhood reflected Dallas’s economic growth and the thriving business culture. People visited for shopping, socializing, and conducting daily errands.
Buildings varied in height, with some two-story structures and a few mid-rise offices. The streets were clean but showed signs of age, with sidewalks and roads gradually modernizing. This intersection illustrates how downtown Dallas balanced historic charm with modern development. The scene remains a valuable record of the city’s past urban life.

Lucas (1970s)Lucas, located on the outskirts of Dallas, was a quiet rural community during the 1970s. Small farms and op...
12/24/2025

Lucas (1970s)

Lucas, located on the outskirts of Dallas, was a quiet rural community during the 1970s. Small farms and open fields dominated the landscape. Houses were widely spaced, and the roads were narrow and often unpaved. Residents led simple lives, deeply connected to the land around them.
The area began to experience the early signs of suburban development. New homes and small commercial establishments started appearing along main routes. People commuting into Dallas noticed the gradual changes in the area’s character. The town’s growth reflected the expansion of Dallas’s suburbs during the decade.
Images from this era show farmhouses, barns, and wide-open spaces. Trees and small creeks added to the rural charm. It’s a snapshot of Dallas’s surrounding regions before modern residential development. The scene preserves a quieter chapter in the city’s history, one that contrasts with downtown’s growth.

Snow in Dallas (1962)Dallas rarely experienced snow, which made the 1962 snowfall remarkable. Streets and rooftops were ...
12/24/2025

Snow in Dallas (1962)

Dallas rarely experienced snow, which made the 1962 snowfall remarkable. Streets and rooftops were covered in a thin white blanket. People bundled in coats and scarves ventured outside to see this unusual weather in the city. Cars cautiously navigated icy roads, while children played in the snow.
Downtown Dallas took on a quiet, almost magical atmosphere. Trees and power lines were outlined in snow, creating a stark contrast against brick buildings. Shops continued their daily routines, though the snowfall slowed business slightly. This rare event became a memory for residents who had never seen snow in the city before.
Photographs from this day show empty streets and historic buildings dusted in white. It highlights how nature can temporarily transform even a busy urban center. The scene captures a fleeting moment of tranquility in Dallas history. This snowfall became part of the city’s storytelling for decades.

South Pearl (1950s)Looking at South Pearl Street in Dallas during the 1950s shows a city in transition. The street was l...
12/24/2025

South Pearl (1950s)

Looking at South Pearl Street in Dallas during the 1950s shows a city in transition. The street was lined with small shops, local businesses, and early mid-century architecture. People walked along the sidewalks in classic 1950s attire, giving the street a lively, bustling feel. Cars of the era moved slowly down the road, sharing space with pedestrians.
The neighborhood captured the post-World Boom era’s energy, reflecting Dallas’s growth south of Main Street. Buildings had simple designs, but each held the character of the city’s emerging commercial identity. Street signs and streetlights were modest, marking a period before heavy modernization. This area was a hub for residents running errands and socializing.
The view highlights the charm and simplicity of mid-century Dallas streets. Side streets branched off with small houses and corner stores. The scene offers a window into the everyday life of Dallas in the 1950s. It’s a record of urban growth, culture, and local community life in the city.

Fair Park Entrance (1908)
12/24/2025

Fair Park Entrance (1908)

Fair Park and Downtown Dallas (1950’s)Photo from the UTA Collection
12/23/2025

Fair Park and Downtown Dallas (1950’s)

Photo from the UTA Collection

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