The Caddo people were the first identified occupants of the Dallas area. Spanish colonists, however, claimed the territory from the Caddo people in the 18th century. In 1819, negotiations between the United States and Spain led to the Adams - Onis Treaty, which defined the Red River as the northern boundary of New Spain, placing the present Dallas territory in Spain. Mexico took over Dallas territory when it gained independence from Spain in 1821. Texas gained independence from Mexico in 1836 and formed the Republic of Texas. Three years later, John Neely Bryan surveyed the area home to present-day Dallas. John returned to the territory in 1841, established a settlement in the area, and named it Dallas. The construction of railroads led to the city becoming a business and trading center in the 19th century. This attracted workers from the South, Midwest, and Texas. The Dallas Praetorian Building, built-in 1909 and has 15 stories, was the first skyscraper west of the Mississippi and remained the tallest building in Texas for quite some time. During World War II, Dallas played a vital role as it was a major manufacturing center for military vehicles and aircraft for the United States and Allied forces. The Ford plant in East Dallas manufactured over 94,000 jeeps and 6,000 military trucks.

Sports
The local teams in Dallas are fun to root for whether you love football, baseball, or basketball. Heard about the Dallas Cowboys? Need we say more? The Cowboys still command the title of "America's Team", and tickets are almost always sold out for home games. The Cowboys share the love all around Texas as the team's training facility is in Frisco while they play their home games in Arlington. The city is also home to the Texas Rangers, who play their home games at the Globe Life Field, which was opened in 2020. The Dallas Mavericks, who play in the National Basketball Association, play their home games at American Airlines Center located in downtown Dallas.

Dining
If you are a foodie, moving to Dallas is a move both you and your stomach will appreciate. Ranked as the number one city for food among cities in Texas by Thrillist, Dallas has a meat-centric food scene. If you find yourself anywhere in Dallas, Texas tacos are a must-have. There are taco joints in every neighborhood in the city, so getting a joint close to you shouldn't be a problem. For the best barbecue in Dallas, venture to Cattleack BBQ in North Dallas. Feeling the urge for something spicy? Take a trip to Gabriela & Sofia's also in North Dallas or El Vecino in Uptown.

⁠Shopping
Whether it's at big high-end malls like the Galleria in Dallas or old-fashioned areas like Sundance Square in Fort Worth, Dallas has something that fits everyone's budget. Want to go furniture shopping? The city is home to Nebraska Furniture Mart, the biggest home furniture store in North America.

⁠Greenspaces and Parks
Dallas's warm weather allows its residents to engage in outdoor fun activities all year round. While there are several fun activities to get involved in, none come close to the Texas State Fair, which runs for 24 consecutive days. The 24-day fair is the longest-running fair in the country and one of the largest. Every September, a 55-Foot statue, Big Tex, welcomes visitors across the state to Fair Park in Dallas. While at the fair, you can ride the Ferris Wheel, get inspired by fantastic art options, listen to live music, watch a live show or explore the historic fair park. Other parks in the city include Klyde Warren Park, Dallas Arboretum, White Rock Lake Park, Harry S. Moss Park, Bark Park Central, and Trammell Crow.

Spend your day admiring plants at the 66-acre botanical garden bordering White Rock Lake. The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden feature 11 lush display gardens, a dining terrace, Hoffman Family Gift Shop, and several other areas available for weddings, parties, workshops, lectures, and gatherings.