John W. Lane
Dallas, Dallas County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Kentucky native John W. Lane (1835-1888) was a member of Tannehill Lodge No. 52 AF&AM. Trained as a printer, he came to Dallas in 1859 and worked for the Dallas Herald newspaper. He married Elizabeth Crutchfield in 1860 and the next year joined the 18th Texas Cavalry to serve in the Civil War. Upon returning to Dallas, Lane was elected mayor. He resigned to become personal secretary to Gov. James Throckmorton. As State Representative (1869-1872), Lane ensured the future development of Dallas by amending legislation in 1871 that changed the route of the Texas and Pacific Railroad. Recorded - 2004
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Kentucky-born John W. Lane came to Dallas in 1859 as a trained printer for the Dallas Herald, then joined the 18th Texas Cavalry in 1861 to serve in the Civil War. Returning home, he was elected mayor before resigning to serve as secretary to Governor James Throckmorton, and as a state representative he reshaped Dallas's future by amending 1871 legislation that redirected the route of the Texas and Pacific Railroad. That single change helped secure the city's growth into a rail hub.
Why it matters
Lane's maneuver to bring the railroad through Dallas proved decisive in transforming a modest frontier town into a major Texas commercial center.
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Related people
- · John W. Lane
- · James Throckmorton
- · Elizabeth Crutchfield
Related events
- · American Civil War
Themes & tags
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