Dallas, Dallas County, Texas Genealogy

Information about the city of Dallas, Dallas County, Texas, United States of America

History
The Texas State Legislature established the city of Dallas as the county seat of Dallas County. The town was incorporated by charter in 1856. The first mayor was Samuel B. Pryor. Other city officers elected in 1856 were Andrew M. Moore, marshall; William L. Murphy, treasurer; and Aldermen Willilam Burtle, W. Latimer, William J. Halsell, Burrill Wilkes, and George M. Baird.

City Government
The incorporation act approved by the legislature in 1858 and ratified by the citizens the same year, set up a government of mayor, marshal and nine aldermen, elected for one year. During reconstruction (1871) the town was "reincorporated" with elected mayor, eight aldermen, marshal and assessor and  collector. The aldermen served two year terms; the mayor, marshal and assessor and collector were elected for one year. In 1931 the charter was amended to set the current council-manager form of government. The City of Dallas has 14 council districts and a mayor elected at large. See the list of mayors with links to their biographies.

Building Permits Archive
City of Dallas Building Inspector Record Books from 1905 - March 1970 are available in the Texas/Dallas History &amp; Archives Division of the Dallas Public Library. The volumes contain handwritten records of building permits issued. Building permit records will give you a date of construction and any significant changes or additions. They may also give you the name of the architect or contractor responsible for the building. Permits were not required until 1925, but may have been issued earlier.

You may also wish to contact the City of Dallas, Building Inspection Division, Central Files--located in the Oak Cliff Municipal Center. The telephone number is (214) 948-4318. They have microfilm of some (but not all!) of the actual building permits.

The above information is excerpted from the Dallas Public Library publication RESEARCHING THE HISTORY OF A BUILDING on their web site.

Dallas Genealogical and Historical Organizations
Dallas Genealogical Society

Dallas Historical Society

Jane Douglas Chapter, NDAR, Dallas

Greater Dallas Chapter, NDAR, Dallas

Related Information
City of Dallas

Visitors and Convention Bureau