Home to imagery of the Wild West and Southern independence, Dallas has developed a unique culture. Today, the city boasts over 1.2 million residents and is the 9^th largest in the nation. The city has been vital to commerce since its incorporation in 1856.

Divided into North and South Dallas by the Trinity River, Dallas was originally founded as a trading post in 1841 by the settler and postal carrier John Neely Bryan. In its early days, the city attracted the attention of several major railroads, including the Houston & Texas Central Railroad.

In the late 1800s, Dallas emerged as a major rail intersection and the city became the center of commerce for cotton and other textile industries. With the discovery of oil in Eastern Texas in the 1930s, the city exploded virtually overnight with oil-related businesses. To this day, Dallas is an ever-growing commercial center for the United States and is ranked third as a business destination.

Commerce, however, is no longer restricted to oil, textiles and transportation. Dallas is also home to many computer technology and healthcare industry companies and it is also considered to be the financial heart of the American South.

Visitors to Dallas should not be influenced by typical Dallas stereotypes of oil tycoons, spurred boots and gun-toting cowboys. This city is far from provincial and conservative. It is home to an unparalleled variety of cultural and historical museums, music halls and art venues and is counted among the nation’s 100 most ethnically diverse communities.

Any opportunity to visit Dallas should incorporate a trip through the city’s magical historical neighborhoods, each with a tale of its own, and all visitors should be prepared to eat. Dallas has more restaurants per capita than New York City and is home to some of the world’s most talented chefs. Specialties include barbecue, Tex-Mex and New American Cuisine. Every visitor should take the time to see and try all.