Railroad History

The Railroad Made Dallas County a Commerce Hub

Two major railroads arrived in the early 1870s, transforming Dallas County from a farm settlement into a regional trade center.

Dallas County History & Culture

The Houston and Texas Central Railroad reached Dallas County in 1872. The Texas and Pacific Railroad followed in 1873. By 1885, the county had five railroads. The rail lines let towns like Mesquite, Grand Prairie, and Richardson grow along the new routes.

The railroads also brought waves of workers and settlers. Mexican workers came first as railroad laborers and later as farm workers. The county changed fast. Manufacturing began to pass farming as the main source of jobs after 1920. The railroad era turned a farm community into a regional trade center in just a few decades.

Source to confirm: Handbook of Texas Online – Dallas County

More Dallas County notes

Property Tax Basics

Who Appraises Your Property in Dallas County

The Dallas Central Appraisal District sets the value of your property each year, and that value drives your tax bill.

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Homestead Exemption

The Homestead Exemption Cuts Your School Taxes

Texas law requires school districts to exempt $140,000 of your home's value from school property taxes if you qualify.

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Age 65 / Disability Exemption

Extra Tax Break for Seniors and Disabled Homeowners

If you are 65 or older, or have a qualifying disability, you get an additional $60,000 off your home's school-taxable value.

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Veteran Exemption

Veterans with Disabilities Get a Property Tax Break

Texas gives disabled veterans a property tax exemption based on their VA disability rating.

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