City of East Dallas
Dallas, Dallas County, Texas
Marker Inscription
The first permanent settlement in this area began in the years before the Civil War. Principal among the pioneers were farmer Jefferson Peak, banker and rancher W. H. Gaston, and brothers-in-law Henry Boll and Jacob Nussbaumer, who were natives of Switzerland. The arrival of the railroads in the 1870s brought an influx of settlers to the area. As European immigrants and others attracted to the City of Dallas moved eastward to find housing, the community that developed here, two miles east of the Dallas County Courthouse, was incorporated in 1882. East Dallas accomplished much in its short life as an independent entity. It was the home of many leading citizens, such as prominent rancher and Baptist leader Christopher C. Slaughter. George Crutcher, mayor of East Dallas for four years, led the city to establish a safe water supply, build a good road system, and organize an independent school district. The combination schoolhouse and city hall, which was located at this site, was completed during his tenure. East Dallas was annexed by the City of Dallas in 1889. Its history, while short, remains an important part of the area's heritage. 1984
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
East Dallas began as a farming settlement before the Civil War, its early leaders including farmer Jefferson Peak, rancher-banker W.H. Gaston, and Swiss-born brothers-in-law Henry Boll and Jacob Nussbaumer. The railroads of the 1870s swelled its population, and the community incorporated as its own city in 1882, building a water system, roads, and an independent school district under mayor George Crutcher. Though annexed by Dallas in 1889 after just seven years, East Dallas accomplished much in its brief independent life.
Why it matters
East Dallas embodies the rise-and-absorption story of the streetcar suburb, where independent towns flourished briefly before growing cities swallowed them whole.
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Related people
- · W. H. Gaston
- · Jefferson Peak
- · Henry Boll
- · Jacob Nussbaumer
- · George Crutcher
Themes & tags
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