DALLAS IN TEXAS COULD WELL BE A HISTORICAL TRAVEL SPOT

Dallas in Texas is known for one interesting tidbit about its past. This was one place that everybody seemed to want in terms of getting their hands on it; but then again, Dallas wanted to run itself.

The most interesting turn in the history of Dallas and Texas was when France and Spain both simultaneously tried to claim their stake on this region. All this, in spite of the fact that the Caddo Native Indians were settled there already! Spain got hold of the territory of Texas and it became the northern boundary for New Spain.

Another turn of events was brought about by Mexico declaring itself free in the year 1821. When this happened, Texas became a part of Mexico in 1836.

For about a good 10 years after that, Texas ran as an independent country and was known as the Republic of Texas. Post that, however, it became a part of the United States of America.

With a history as colorful as this, it comes as little surprise that Dallas and Texas have so much in store for the historical traveler’s soul. Today we’re going to discuss two aspects of Dallas which are of historic importance – Old Red Courthouse and Dealey Plaza Historic District.

OLD RED COURTHOUSE –

This Romanesque style structure is full of turrets and wyverns; and was built in the year 1892. Keep an eye out for the wyverns that rest atop the courthouse. At first you might mistake them for gargoyles; but a closer look reveals that they’re the serpent like creatures with 2 legs. Two of the four original wyverns have been reconstructed and restored; while the other two are as original as they come.

The clock tower was removed around a century back for restoration; and has finally recently been reinstalled to see the light of day. The original courthouse housed 6 courtrooms. Only one of them stands today. The Hatton W. Sumners Restored Courtroom was recently restored.

The grand staircase is not to be missed; it has been brought back to its original glory, with parts of it being retained from the original structure. The stained glasses, few of which remain today, were was what set the Old Red Courthouse apart from other structures of its time.

Today the structure is ready for reopening; and has been turned into a museum that houses local artifacts which will educate the crowds about the history of Dallas County.

DEALEY PLAZA HISTORIC DISTRICT –

This is probably one of the most well known areas of Dallas; unfortunately, however, it’s notorious and not famous. It is the site of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Dealey Plaza is, in reality, the name of a city park, the construction of which was completed in the year 1940. It was named after George Bannerman Dealey, who was a noted and respected civic leader of his times.

The entire stretch of the plaza is lined with tributary monuments that have been dedicated to various local VIPs. The entire plaza is, in fact, a national historic landmark. The most famous point of interest, however, is that of the School Book depository, which is where the shot was fired from. Lee Harvey Oswald shot at Kennedy right from this spot of the region.

The sixth and the seventh floor of the depository have now been combined to create the Sixth floor museum which pays a tribute to the late President Kennedy.