John Neely Bryan founded Dallas in 1846. Originally from Tennessee, Bryan was born on December 24, 1810. He attended the Fayetteville Military Academy and spent his early career as a lawyer in Fayetteville, before moving to Arkansas. He, like many others of his time, was drawn west. He made his first trip to Texas in 1839.

In 1841, Bryan staked claim on the east bank of the Trinity River and convinced others to join him there. He married Margaret Beeman in 1843 and they had five children. During this time, Bryan took up the trade of postmaster for the Republic of Dallas and ferried across the Trinity. With the help of J.P Dumas in 1844, Bryan surveyed the site of modern day Dallas and was a key influence in the establishment of Dallas County in 1846. He also generously offered land for the county's first justice building.

A true explorer, Bryan also ventured further West into Colorado and California. After briefly taking part in the California gold rush of 1849, Bryan returned to Dallas, but not for long. He was rumored to suffer from alcoholism and a raging temper. He shot a man in 1855 and fled Dallas for six years.

Upon his return to Dallas in 1861, he joined the military for a stint, but suffered from poor health and was discharged. He became more community-oriented and helped Dallas develop even further. During this time, he was perhaps most notably involved in Dallas County negotiations with the Houston & Texas Central Railroad.

In his later years, Bryan suffered from lunacy and in 1877 was committed to what is now known as the Austin State Hospital, where he died within the year.

The city that Bryan worked hard to develop is today an international metropolis. Visitors to Dallas can view John Neely Bryan’s historic cabin in Dallas' West End Historic District. The house is an accurate depiction of the original Bryan family cabin, which was destroyed by floods in the late 1800s. Dwarfed by surrounding skyscrapers, the cabin reminds residents of the city’s humble origins.