Dallas traces its origins to February 2, 1856, when it was officially granted a town charter during the Regular Session of the Sixth Texas Legislature. Its strategic location quickly transformed the settlement into a growing transportation point. By 1860, railroads were advancing from the south, and multiple stage lines were already moving through the area, helping establish Dallas as a regional crossroads.
The city’s momentum accelerated after the Civil War. In 1871, Dallas was legally incorporated as a city, and just two years later, in 1873, two major rail lines — the Houston and Texas Central Railroad and the Texas and Pacific Railway — intersected in Dallas. This pivotal development guaranteed its future as a dominant commercial and economic center in Texas. Over time, Dallas expanded into a hub for banking, manufacturing, trade, and later technology and corporate headquarters.
As of 2025, Dallas remains one of the most economically influential cities in the country, guided by a council-manager form of government.
The Mayor of Dallas is [Eric L. Johnson], serving as the city's elected chief representative.
The Dallas City Council includes 14 district members: Chad West (District 1), Jesse Moreno (District 2, Mayor Pro Tem), Zarin D. Gracey (District 3), Maxie Johnson (District 4), Jaime Resendez (District 5), Laura Cadena (District 6), Adam Bazaldua (District 7), Lorie Blair (District 8), Paula Blackmon (District 9), Kathy Stewart (District 10), William Roth (District 11), Cara Mendelsohn (District 12), Gay Donnell Willis (District 13, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem), and Paul E. Ridley (District 14).
The City Manager is [Kimberly Bizor Tolbert], appointed in 2025 and responsible for overseeing all municipal operations and city services.
Dallas continues to evolve while honoring the historic foundations that shaped its rise as a major Texas metropolis.
