Dallas

What it's known for

Dallas became a business and trading centre after the railroads arrived in the late 1800s. Its economy includes financial services, telecommunications, information technology and transportation. The city is also remembered as the place where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, in Dealey Plaza, on 22 November 1963.

Fun facts

1. In 1841 John Neely Bryan set up a settlement on a bluff near the three forks of the Trinity River, and it grew into Dallas.
2. No one is sure where the name comes from; the official historical marker says it honours George M. Dallas, a US vice president.
3. A 17 m tall cowboy statue called Big Tex has been the symbol of the State Fair of Texas, held each autumn at Fair Park, since 1952.