Settled in the mid-1800s as a trading post, by 1872, the Houston & Texas Central Railroad introduced commerce and revolutionized what today is known as Dallas’ West End Historic District. The area is filled with picturesque buildings and attracts more than 7 million tourists annually.

Located in the northwest section of downtown Dallas, Texas, the streets of the 55-acre district are lined with charming trees and brick sidewalks. These lead the way along what is notably called Dallas’ ‘most-happening’ neighborhood. The true ‘it’ scene for shopping, restaurants and nightlife; there are more than 80 stores and 40 restaurants.

The building known as the West End Marketplace shopping center once housed the Brown Cracker & Candy Company, famous for producing saltines. The cracker company and its later owner, the Sunshine Biscuit Company, helped to establish a gourmet tradition in Dallas’ West End. Although the West End Marketplace was closed in 2006, the tradition of food and shopping lives on.

For those pursuing a cultural education, the district is home to some of Dallas’ best museums. One of these is the historical courthouse of the West End. Simply called ‘Old Red,’ the building was recently restored to its former glory. The museum is educational and offers a hands-on learning center for all age groups interested in Dallas’ history.

District visitors also love to visit the Oilwell Supply Building. Originally developed by the Oilwell Supply Company (later US Steel), the building true to its name, supplied oil around the Dallas neighborhood.

A must on nearly every visitor’s list is Wild Bill’s Western Store. It’s a drugstore that also sells Wild West apparel, including hats and leather goods

Taking a walk through this historical district is truly like taking a walk into the past. The brick store fronts and facades maintain their dusty appearance to replicate the way it was in the old West.