Dallas was founded in 1839 but became financially strong only after 1930 with the discovery of oil. Dallas is located in north-central Texas, 70 miles south of the Oklahoma border, 174 miles west of Louisiana, and approximately 250 miles north of the Gulf of Mexico.  Dallas is a sophisticated city and one of the important market centers of the world. It is separated from Fort Worth by less than 30 miles. The two cities are termed ‘Metroplex’ but each has been able to retain an identity of its own.. The steady influx has caused Dallas to grow in size and importance, resulting in its status as a leader in culture, industry, fashion, transportation, finance, and commerce. The Dallas/Fort Worth area is the country's ninth most populated metropolitan area; with its continuous population growth, by 2010 it is expected to rank fourth.

Dallas enjoys a humid and subtropical climate characterized by by hot summers and mild winters. Rainy season lasts from April to May and July and August are the driest months. 

Area: 342.54 square miles (2000)

Elevation: Ranges from 500 to 800 feet above sea level

Latitude: 32.80 N

Longitude: 96.79 W

Average Temperatures: January, 45.44° F; August, 85.72° F; annual average, 66.42° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 35.77 inches

Population: 1,213,825 as on 2005

Attractions

• Bryan's log cabin at Founder's Plaza
• Majestic Theatre
• Thanks-Giving Square
• Pioneer Plaza
• Fair Park
• Six Flags
• Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
• Dallas Zoo
• Monorail Safari
• Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

Festivals

• Arts & Music Festival
• Camp Shakespeare and Festival
• Grapefest