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.

Dallas Police Officers Standing Guard Outside the Dallas Trade Mart (1963)On November 22, 1963, the Dallas Trade Mart be...
09/12/2025

Dallas Police Officers Standing Guard Outside the Dallas Trade Mart (1963)

On November 22, 1963, the Dallas Trade Mart became an unexpected focal point of one of the most tragic days in American history. President John F. Kennedy was scheduled to deliver a speech there, but his motorcade was rerouted to Parkland Hospital following the assassination in Dealey Plaza. As the news spread, Dallas police officers quickly moved to secure the Trade Mart. In photos from that day, uniformed officers stood guard near entrances, their expressions tense and solemn as crowds gathered in confusion and disbelief. The building, decorated in anticipation of the President’s visit, suddenly took on a somber tone. The officers remained stationed well into the evening, helping to control the crowd, manage the media, and maintain order as the nation began to grapple with the enormity of what had happened. That day, the Trade Mart shifted from a place of celebration to a symbol of a historical moment etched deeply into Dallas’s legacy.

Dallas Fire Station 21 at Love Field (1969)In 1969, Dallas Fire Station 21 stood on duty at Love Field Airport, strategi...
09/12/2025

Dallas Fire Station 21 at Love Field (1969)

In 1969, Dallas Fire Station 21 stood on duty at Love Field Airport, strategically positioned to respond swiftly to emergencies on the airfield and surrounding areas. The station was equipped with specialized firefighting vehicles designed for airport operations, including crash tenders capable of handling jet fuel fires and runway incidents. The firehouse itself was modest in design but operated with precision and preparedness. Firefighters remained on high alert, trained to respond to everything from engine fires and emergency landings to terminal evacuations. With the growth of commercial air travel during the 1960s, Love Field saw increasing traffic, making the role of Station 21 more crucial than ever. Positioned near hangars and runways, the station blended into the operational rhythm of the airport, quietly standing by as a vital line of defense for passengers, pilots, and staff.

Looking North over SMU, Dallas (1945)In the view looking north over Southern Methodist University showed a campus still ...
09/12/2025

Looking North over SMU, Dallas (1945)

In the view looking north over Southern Methodist University showed a campus still developing. Dallas Hall stood prominently with its domed roof. The grounds were open and green, reflecting the growth of the university during the mid-century. Surrounding neighborhoods were just beginning to expand with new houses. Students walked the pathways between classes, many of them veterans returning from World War II. The scene reflected both tradition and change as SMU became a major institution in Dallas. Its presence shaped the cultural and educational identity of the city for decades to come.

Elm and Ervay, Dallas (1950’s)The intersection of Elm and Ervay in the 1950s was a busy downtown crossroads. Cars filled...
09/12/2025

Elm and Ervay, Dallas (1950’s)

The intersection of Elm and Ervay in the 1950s was a busy downtown crossroads. Cars filled the streets while crowds of pedestrians crossed between shops and offices. Storefront signs advertised clothing, dining, and entertainment. Streetcars still passed through, though automobiles were becoming dominant. This area reflected the energy of mid-century Dallas commerce. It was a spot where businesspeople, shoppers, and tourists all crossed paths. Photographs from this time capture the sense of movement and change. Elm and Ervay stood at the heart of the city’s daily life.

Dallas Skyline (1942)The Dallas skyline in 1942 displayed a mix of early skyscrapers and historic buildings. The Magnoli...
09/12/2025

Dallas Skyline (1942)

The Dallas skyline in 1942 displayed a mix of early skyscrapers and historic buildings. The Magnolia Building with its red Pegasus remained a landmark above the city. New construction projects were on hold due to World War II, giving the skyline a frozen-in-time appearance. Factories and warehouses supported the war effort, while downtown continued to serve as a business hub. From a distance, the skyline showed Dallas as an important but still developing city. Street activity remained steady as families and workers kept up their routines. The skyline symbolized resilience during a time of global uncertainty.

Stemmons Expressway under Construction, Dallas (1957)In work on the Stemmons Expressway represented the growing push for...
09/12/2025

Stemmons Expressway under Construction, Dallas (1957)

In work on the Stemmons Expressway represented the growing push for modern highways in Dallas. The project reshaped land along the Trinity River into a major traffic corridor. Bulldozers and cranes moved dirt while concrete sections began to take form. The expressway was part of the city’s effort to handle its booming population and car culture. Workers labored daily to keep the construction on schedule. For drivers, it promised faster access in and out of downtown. The expressway later became one of Dallas’s busiest routes. This construction marked a turning point in the city’s transportation history.

Six Flags over Texas, Arlington (1960’s)When Six Flags over Texas opened in the it became one of the most popular attrac...
09/12/2025

Six Flags over Texas, Arlington (1960’s)

When Six Flags over Texas opened in the it became one of the most popular attractions near Dallas. Families flocked to Arlington to enjoy the rides and shows. The theme park was the first of its kind in the region, celebrating Texas history through its six themed areas. Roller coasters, stage performances, and water rides kept visitors entertained all day. Its opening marked the beginning of large-scale amusement parks in North Texas. The park brought jobs and tourism to the region. Over time, Six Flags became a tradition for generations of families.

Dallas County Courthouse Under Construction (1964)In the new Dallas County Courthouse was rising steadily downtown, sign...
09/11/2025

Dallas County Courthouse Under Construction (1964)

In the new Dallas County Courthouse was rising steadily downtown, signaling a major shift in the city’s civic architecture. Steel beams and concrete supports formed the skeleton of the future government hub, replacing older facilities that no longer met the needs of a rapidly growing population. Construction crews in hard hats moved across scaffolding, operating cranes and pouring concrete as the structure took shape against the skyline. The courthouse was designed with function and scale in mind, part of a broader push to modernize public buildings across Dallas. It was an era of urban renewal, with sleek lines and clean materials replacing the ornate facades of earlier generations. As the structure neared completion, it promised to centralize county operations, bringing together courtrooms, offices, and administrative departments under one roof. The project was a clear reflection of Dallas’s ambitions a city preparing for its future while reshaping its civic foundations.

Smoke Pours From Dallas Federal Savings & Loan Building (1964)In the sight of smoke billowing from the Dallas Federal Sa...
09/11/2025

Smoke Pours From Dallas Federal Savings & Loan Building (1964)

In the sight of smoke billowing from the Dallas Federal Savings & Loan Building brought alarm and urgency to the downtown area. The incident disrupted a regular business day as firefighters raced to the scene, sirens echoing off the surrounding high-rises. Office workers and pedestrians stood at a distance, watching as thick black smoke poured from upper floors, darkening the sky above Commerce Street. Firefighters worked quickly, hauling hoses through stairwells and up ladders, battling heat and low visibility to bring the blaze under control. The building, a symbol of Dallas’s mid-century economic growth, suffered considerable damage, but the swift response from emergency crews helped prevent further spread. For days afterward, the charred windows and smoke-stained exterior remained a striking reminder of the dangers lurking even in the heart of the city’s business core and of the vital role the fire department played in protecting it.

Casa Linda Shopping Center, Dallas (1950’s)Casa Linda Shopping Center in the stood as one of the first large suburban r...
09/11/2025

Casa Linda Shopping Center, Dallas (1950’s)

Casa Linda Shopping Center in the stood as one of the first large suburban retail developments in Dallas. With wide parking lots and modern storefronts, it reflected the car-centered lifestyle of the era. Families drove in on weekends to shop, dine, and run errands. Anchored by grocery stores and department shops, it became a community gathering place. Its unique architecture gave it a distinct charm compared to downtown’s tall buildings. For East Dallas residents, Casa Linda was both convenient and modern. Shopping centers like this symbolized the postwar suburban boom across America. It remains a landmark of mid-century Dallas retail history.

Sonny & Cher at the Cotton Bowl Parade, Dallas (1967)In Sonny & Cher made an appearance at the Cotton Bowl Parade in Dal...
09/11/2025

Sonny & Cher at the Cotton Bowl Parade, Dallas (1967)

In Sonny & Cher made an appearance at the Cotton Bowl Parade in Dallas, drawing huge crowds of fans. The musical duo was at the height of their fame, known for their hit songs and bold fashion. Spectators lined the parade route, hoping to catch a glimpse of the stars. Their presence gave the annual event extra excitement and national attention. Parades like this were major community celebrations, bringing together thousands of residents. With music, floats, and celebrities, the Cotton Bowl Parade was a highlight of the holiday season. Sonny & Cher’s visit remains one of its most memorable moments.

White Rock Airport, Dallas (1954)White Rock Airport was a small but active field in Dallas, serving local pilots and avi...
09/11/2025

White Rock Airport, Dallas (1954)

White Rock Airport was a small but active field in Dallas, serving local pilots and aviation enthusiasts. It sat near White Rock Lake, offering easy access for private planes. The airstrip was used for flying lessons, short trips, and weekend hobbyists. Compared to Love Field, it was much smaller, but it played an important role for local flyers. The airport represented the growing popularity of private aviation during the mid-century. Its surroundings still felt semi-rural at the time, with open land nearby. For many Dallas residents, White Rock Airport was part of the city’s aviation history that has since disappeared.

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