When you think of Dallas, you immediately think of tall skyscrapers, great food, amazing people, and the Cowboys. It embodies what America’s all about, and that’s progress, patriotism, and good ol’ football.

However, the city has more to offer other than barbecues and sports. In fact, it’s a contemporary relic of the country’s rich history.

In this article, we’ll take a look at facts about Dallas that you may not know of. 

1. Dallas is larger than the state capital, Austin.

Dallas is the third largest city in the state of Texas, right behind Houston and San Antonio. However, it’s still larger than the state’s capital, Austin.

For comparison, according to the Texas demographics, Dallas has a bigger population with over 300,000 more citizens than Austin. Houston, on the other hand, almost doubles Dallas’ numbers!

2 . Dallas’ tallest building is the Bank of America Plaza.

Dallas is known for its skyscrapers, especially since they illuminate the city at night — a sight to behold. The tallest among these buildings is the Bank of America Plaza, which is also the third tallest building in Texas.

This building has 74 floors and stands at a whopping 921 ft (280.7 m) height. At the top, you can visit its observation tower to get a clear look at the city.

3. Dallas is home to the largest urban forest in the U.S.

The Great Trinity Forest, located on the southern outskirts of the urbanized area of Dallas, is the largest urban forest in the U.S. The forest is close to about 7,000 acres of land!

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can visit the forest for a tour. Some of the options include concrete trails, and there’s even a chance to go deeper into the forest!

4. The Dallas Zoo is the oldest in Texas.

The Dallas Zoo is the oldest zoo in Texas and one of the 10 oldest zoos in America. The establishment was opened to the public in 1888 and is still being visited today.

It’s a 106-acre zoo that’s home to different kinds of animals. It’s a three to four-hour walk if you’re willing to take the time and check out each animal inside.

5. 7-Eleven and other big companies originated in Dallas.

Some of the most popular companies and brands actually got their start in Dallas. This includes the likes of 7-Eleven, Michaels Arts & Crafts, Hotels.com, and Cookies by Design.

To this day, several entrepreneurs are still testing the waters in Dallas. In fact, the annual average of startups in Dallas is a little over 10,000.

6. Dallas is the most visited city in Texas.

Back in 2019, 27.7 million people visited Dallas, with 6% coming from abroad. It was recorded as the most visited city in Texas during that year.

It’s no surprise that Dallas attracts tons of visitors every year. Not only can you enjoy good food, but the nightlife and festivities in the city are always lively.

7. Dallas is home to 27 billionaires.

Dallas is also the city of billionaires as 27 of them live in Dallas, Fort Worth. That makes up 40% of the billionaires living in Texas.

This is to be expected especially since Dallas has over 10,000 startups annually!

8. The Dallas Cowboys is the most valuable sports franchise.

The Dallas Cowboys, or America’s team, is the most valuable sports franchise in the United States. It beats out the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Lakers.

The franchise has been in eight Super Bowls and won five of them.

9. The term “Super Bowl” originated in Dallas.

The Super Bowl is one of the most-watched television events in the country. It’s the culmination of the entire football season and was actually coined in Dallas.

Lamar Hunt, the founder of the American Football League, came up with the name when he was living in Dallas.

10. Dallas is home to the world’s first convenience store.

In 1927, the first 7-Eleven opened in Dallas, which also marks the first convenience store in the world! 

As of 2022, there’s a 7-Eleven in more than 78,000 different locations.

11. The Cityplace Station is the first subway station in Texas.

The Cityplace Station opened in 2000 in Dallas, marking the first subway station in Texas! To this day, the station is still fully operational.

12. Dallas has six major professional teams.

Dallas is home to six major professional teams, namely the Mavericks (NBA), Cowboys (NFL), Rangers (MLB), Stars (NHL), FC Dallas (MLS), and the Wings (WNBA). 

Fans consider some of these franchises some of the best in sports thanks to their historical runs.

13. There are 41 colleges and universities in Dallas.

In the Great Dallas Area, there are 41 major colleges and universities. The biggest ones are the University of North Texas and the University of Texas at Arlington.

Some of the most popular majors in Dallas include Computer and Information Sciences, and Biology/Biological Sciences.

14. Dallas only has one major newspaper.

Dallas only has one major newspaper, the Dallas Morning News. It’s also one of the oldest newspapers in the country, as its first issue was released back in 1885!

15. Lots of celebrities grew up in Dallas.

A lot of celebrities actually grew up in Dallas! Some notable stars include Erykah Badu, Usher, Selena Gomez, Jessica Simpson, and Ashlee Simpson. 

Most of these celebrities aren’t ashamed to show their Dallas roots. Gomez, for example, has frequently been spotted supporting professional Dallas teams in the past.

16. Dallas is home to Nobel Prize winners.

Dallas is not only home to celebrities and billionaires, but also Nobel Prize winners. 

It has produced six Nobel Prize winners, namely:

• Michael S. Brown
• Joseph Goldstein
• Bruce A. Beutler
• Alfred G. Gilman (medicine/physiology)
• Johann Deisenhofer (chemistry)
• Russell A. Hulse (physics)

17. Dallas used to belong to different cities and countries.

Back then, Dallas actually belonged to different cities and countries not named the United States. 

Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, and the Confederates were all once the owners of the city!

18. John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas.

Back in 1963, President John F. Kennedy was shot and killed in a parade held in Elm Street, Dallas. To this day, the motive behind the assassination is still unknown.

19. Dallas hosts the best fair in the country.

The State Fair of Texas is considered by many as one of, if not the best fairs in the country. It’s held annually at Fair Park in Dallas and draws an average of over 2 million people!

Some of its attractions include football, rodeo, creative arts, and more. It’s held for 24 consecutive days, and even that seems too short.

20. Dallas has the largest model train in the U.S.

The Children’s Medical Center Dallas is home to the largest model train in the U.S. There were rumblings back in 2020 that the medical center wanted to remove it before former patients stepped in and convinced them to keep it.

One patient’s parent mentioned the model train was one of the few bright spots in their children’s stay at the medical center. Thankfully, it’s still there for kids to enjoy.

Dallas’ culture embodies and represents what the country is about. It has a fascinating history and some of the best stories you’ll hear in the state.