The History of South Dallas Timeline will guide you through South Dallas’ history, from desegregation to the establishment of Fair Park and the implications that have followed. In each event, you will find information from books, articles, and news sources along with a video or podcast diving deeper into the topic. The history below, compiled by Cristal Mendez and Shelby Peck, was intended to highlight key events in the past, but also explain how those events are still shaping the future of South Dallas.
African Americans Learn of their Freedom from Slavery
Slaves are freed after the Emancipation Proclamation during the Civil War leading to the establishment of Freedman’s Towns throughout Dallas.
Texas Legislature Mandates Segregation of the Education System
The creation of two separate education systems in Texas led churches and community members to fill the gaps.
Fair Park is First Created in Dallas
Fair Park in Dallas was chosen as the home for the Texas State Fair over larger cities like Houston and San Antonio, creating a legacy for years to come.
City Government Changes to a Commission Government
Changes to the city government would not favor all constituents equally.
Citizen’s Charter Association Passed New “City Manager” Format to Run Dallas like a Corporation
The CCA and business community promoted the idea of a city manager.
Hall of Negro Life was Funded at the Texas Centennial
The Texas Centennial Exposition was held in Fair Park in 1936 to celebrate Texas Independence.
Dallas Government Designates Areas Throughout South Dallas as “Redzones” that are Unsafe for Investments
The creation of “redzones” allowed banks to reject loan requests from areas they considered “high risk,” allowing for discrimination against low-income residents of Dallas.
Major Flood of the Trinity River
The Trinity River often flooded South Dallas, which is located on the floodplain, devastating the community and the small businesses that reside there.
Construction of North Central Highway was Completed
North Central Expressway divided North Dallas (a previous Freedman’s Town) in two, causing migration to South Dallas.
First Racially Motivated South Dallas Bombing
Black families experienced harassment in South Dallas at a time when little housing was available for them.
Brown v. Board Ended Segregation
Brown v. Board overrides Plessy v. Ferguson’s “separate but equal” doctrine and allows desegregation of public schools.
I-30 Opens in Dallas
I-30 divided Dallas into North and South, allowing for geographical segregation of the two communities.
Construction of Woodall Rodgers is Completed through Freedman’s Town North Dallas
Woodall Rodgers Freeway ran through Freedman’s Town (currently Uptown), cutting residents off from downtown Dallas by foot and forcing relocation.
State Fair Creates Plan to Acquire Homes for Parking Lots
The State Fair created a redevelopment program to turn surrounding low-income neighborhoods into parking lots.
Judge Taylor Creates Busing System for Desegregation
In order to address the slow desegregation, Judge Taylor passed a busing system to bus minority students into high income public schools.
Congress Passes the Community Reinvestment Act to Help Remedy Redlining
The Community Reinvestment Act tried to address the issue of redlining on a national level, but was misused so that banks could invest in low-income housing, causing a “slumlord” problem in Dallas.
Lawsuit for Single Member Voting Districts
Resident and community members wanted more representation in City Council.
10th Street is Designated as a Historical Landmark
10th Street is one of the only remaining Freedman’s Towns and represents the culture and history of the black community in Dallas.
The African American Museum Opens in Fair Park
The African American Museum resides in Fair Park and offers a collection of black art and cultural exhibits from across the country.
DART Light Rail Opens
The DART light rail system was created to allow easy transportation for those throughout Dallas, but it works to benefit the wealthy class despite their lack of use.
Restorative Farms Opens in South Dallas
Restorative Farms is a South Dallas organization that has a community garden and uses restorative justice to help maintain the garden.
U.S. House Financial Services Committee Takes Testimony on Redlining in Dallas
The U.S. House Financial Services Committee met to discuss the issue of redlining in Dallas, talking to various community members about their experiences.
Do you have any suggestions of events or sources that we missed? Please let us know by clicking on the tool icon above!