FARMERS BRANCHPopulation            

27,508 (2000 Census)

Altitude             633

GENERAL

Extensive advertising by Texan Land and Emigration Co. in 1845 – 50, made this part of Peters Colony perhaps the best known of all Texas settlements at the time.  Many Dallas County firsts are credited here, including the first church, first school and blacksmith shop.  Population in 1946 was 800; the City’s growth parallels most Dallas suburbs.  Farmers Branch is the home of 21 Fortune 500 companies as well as Brookhaven College.

ATTRACTIONS

HISTORICAL PARK - This 22 acre Park opened in 1986 to tout the proud heritage of Farmers Branch, which was founded in 1841 as the result of an extensive and highly successful advertising campaign by the Texan Land and Emigration Company.  You will find the following historical structures at the Historical Park:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
The 1856 Gilbert House is the oldest rock structure in Dallas County still on its original foundation.   In 1988, the Gilbert House was listed in the National Register of Historic Places and Landmarks.  It became a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1986.

The 1890 Old Church; 1877 Depot and 1890s all-wood Caboose; 1900 one-room School House; 1840s Log Culture area; 1885 Queen Anne Victorian Cottage; 1930s replica Marathon Service Station housing a 1936 Ford cab-over-engine truck; and 1937 Dodson House.

Hours of Operation:                                                                                         Mon - Thurs. 9:30 am - 6 pm; Sat and Sun: Noon - 6 pm
Park closed: Fridays, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day