Old East Dallas in Dallas County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
City of East Dallas
Photographed By Kayla Harper, June 28, 2020
1. City of East Dallas Marker
The first permanent settlement in this area began in the years before the Civil War. Principal among the pioneers were farmer Jefferson Peak, banker and rancher W. H. Gaston, and brothers-in-law Henry Boll and Jacob Nussbaumer, who were natives of Switzerland. The arrival of the railroads in the 1870s brought an influx of settlers to the area. As European immigrants and others attracted to the City of Dallas moved eastward to find housing, the community that developed here, two miles east of the Dallas County Courthouse, was incorporated in 1882.
East Dallas accomplished much in its short life as an independent entity. It was the home of many leading citizens, such as prominent rancher and Baptist leader Christopher C. Slaughter. George Crutcher, mayor of East Dallas for four years, led the city to establish a safe water supply, build a good road system, and organize an independent school district. The combination schoolhouse and city hall, which was located at this site, was completed during his tenure. East Dallas was annexed by the City of Dallas in 1889. Its history, while short, remains an important part of the area's heritage.
Erected 1984 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 6686.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce
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Location. 32° 47.397′ N, 96° 46.883′ W. Marker is in Dallas, Texas, in Dallas County. It is in Old East Dallas. Marker is on Gaston Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3202 Gaston Avenue, Dallas TX 75246, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Baylor College of Dentistry (within shouting distance of this marker); Baylor University Medical Center (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Wilson Block (approx. ¼ mile away); Grace United Methodist Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); Sons of Hermann in Dallas (approx. 0.4 miles away); Leadbelly (approx. 0.4 miles away); Original Site of the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Dallas (approx. half a mile away); Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dallas.
Photographed By Kayla Harper, June 28, 2020
2. City of East Dallas Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2020, by Kayla Harper of Dallas, Texas. This page has been viewed 356 times since then and 64 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 28, 2020, by Kayla Harper of Dallas, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
