5 of the Best Historical Sites in Dallas
When most people think of places to visit that have many historical sites, cities in the Northeast often come to mind, given the longer history of the region. However, Dallas is home to a number of sites that have played a prominent role in the history of the city.
Here are five of the best historical sites to visit in Dallas.
1. The Sixth Floor Museum
One of the most notable events to ever occur in Dallas was the assassination of John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. Assassin Lee Harvey Oswald shot Kennedy from the sixth floor of what used to be the Texas School Book Depository at Dealey Plaza. Today, the building is home to The Sixth Floor Museum, which teaches visitors about the details of the historical event and features a detailed timeline of the day’s events, from the president’s last public speech that morning to the initial announcement of his assassination.
In addition to telling the story of JFK’s assassination, The Sixth Floor Museum offers visitors an opportunity to learn about political events and social movements of the 1960s. The museum features a variety of collections on the life and times of JFK, including A Time for Greatness: The 1960 Kennedy Campaign and Civil Rights. The latter includes 59 items that cover the changes that occurred during the period, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voters Rights Act of 1965.
Before leaving, visitors can write down their memories of JFK’s assassination and the changes that took place on that historic day. The museum keeps the memories as part of its archive to celebrate the life and achievements of the president.
2. Grave Sites of Bonnie and Clyde
One of the most famous criminal couples in history, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow hailed from Dallas. The duo went on a wild crime spree, committing numerous burglaries and bank robberies, during the Depression era. As a result, they gained notoriety throughout the country.
Bonnie and Clyde were killed during a police ambush in Louisiana in 1934. Today, visitors to Dallas can view Bonnie’s and Clyde’s graves in Crown Hill Memorial Park and Western Heights Cemetery, respectively.
In addition to viewing their graves, visitors can sign up for tours through the Dallas Historical Society, DFW Historical Tours, and Heritage Tours to view buildings, homes, and other sites that played an important role in the couple’s lives.
3. Log Cabin Village
A tribute to the pioneers who built log cabins in north Texas in the 19th century, Log Cabin Village features seven cabins. In addition to the cabins, the village includes a Marine school; a blacksmith shop; an herb garden; and a smokehouse, the latter of which demonstrates to visitors how people preserved meat prior to the invention of refrigerators.
Log Cabin Village has also curated a collection of documents and objects dating back to 1840 through 1890. Visitors can find everything from tools and equipment to textiles and furniture — all of which offer a glimpse of frontier life at the time.
4. Old Red Museum of Dallas County History & Culture
The site of the Old Red Courthouse, the Old Red Museum of Dallas County History & Culture has undergone a restoration to resemble its original appearance. Constructed in 1892, the Romanesque-style building stands out with a number of architectural features, including gargoyles, turrets, a clock tower, and terra-cotta serpents on the roof.
Inside, the Old Red Museum of Dallas County History & Culture features a grand staircase that was restored after having been removed in 1920. The Old Red Museum also has a vault with a heavy steel door, which was once used to store land deeds and other archives. Moreover, the museum contains numerous objects and artifacts from Texas’ history, including the handcuffs used on Lee Harvey Oswald after the assassination of JFK.
5. Pioneer Plaza
Located in Dallas’ Convention Center District, Pioneer Plaza features a huge sculpture of cattle commemorating the cattle drives along the famous Shawnee Trail. Pioneers took Texas longhorn cattle along the trail through several Texas cities on their way to northern railheads.
With 49 steer and three trail riders, the sculpture stands out as the world’s largest bronze monument. Artist Robert Summers of Glen Rose, Texas, created each figure to be even bigger than real steer, with each longhorn standing at an impressive 6 feet tall.
These five places represent only a fraction of the Dallas area’s rich history. Visitors are encouraged to try to stop by other historical sites in the area to see how they paint a picture of the important role that Dallas has played in the development of the American West. You’ll find that a trip to Dallas will leave you with not only a better understanding of Dallas’ history, but also a greater appreciation for the city and its commitment to preserving public spaces and historical sites.
