Cedars in Dallas in Dallas County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Old City Park
Photographed by Gary Estep, February 11, 2026
1. Old City Park Marker
Indian tribes were once attracted to this park site by a series of natural springs, which became known as Browder Springs after Edward C. Browder (1825 - 1875) acquired the property in 1845. The springs figured in legislation which made Dallas the intersection of the Texas & Pacific and Houston & Texas Central Railroads in 1871 and launched the town's rapid growth.
On July 4, 1876, to honor the American Centennial, ten acres near the springs were set aside as Dallas' first municipal park. "City Park" was also known as "Eakins Park" because J. J. Eakin originally owned the land. By 1885 nine more acres, including the Browder Springs property, were added. The springs supplied water to the city, and the park grounds provided a center for leisure activities and group gatherings. A neighborhood of elegant homes, called "The Cedars," grew up nearby. The city's first zoo was here; fountains, greenhouses, tennis courts, a playground and a wading pool were later added. In 1936 the site was renamed "Sullivan Park" for Dallas Water Commissioner Dan L. Sullivan, but it remained popularly known as "Old City Park."
In 1966 the Dallas
this page online
Erected 1976 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 6808.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 32° 46.348′ N, 96° 47.283′ W. Marker is in Dallas, Texas, in Dallas County. It is in Cedars. It is at the intersection of Gano Street and Main Street, on the right when traveling south on Gano Street. The marker is just outside of the main entrance to Old City Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1515 S Harwood Street, Dallas TX 75215, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, one of the Confederate States of America, and the
Photographed by Kayla Harper, January 17, 2021
2. Old City Park Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Honoring Sarah Horton Cockrell (a few steps from this marker); Main Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Railroad Depot (within shouting distance of this marker); Citizen's Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); Miller Log Cabin (within shouting distance of this marker); Worth Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Miller Cabin (within shouting distance of this marker); Blum Brothers General Store (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dallas.
Photographed by Kayla Harper, January 17, 2021
3. Old City Park Marker
Photographed by Kayla Harper, January 17, 2021
4. Renner School (1888) interior
Photographed by Kayla Harper, January 17, 2021
5. Gano Log Cabin
Photographed by Kayla Harper, January 17, 2021
6. Railroad Depot 1886
Photographed by Kayla Harper, January 17, 2021
7. Donkeys in the park
Credits. This page was last revised on February 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 18, 2021, by Kayla Harper of Dallas, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,335 times since then and 159 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 11, 2026, by Gary Estep of Anna, Texas. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on January 18, 2021, by Kayla Harper of Dallas, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
