Want to Know More About Farmers Branch, Texas?

Farmers Branch, Texas, is a city with a distinctive history and a reputation for being a business-friendly, “city in a park” suburb of Dallas. Its story is one of pioneering, agricultural beginnings and a subsequent transformation into a modern, well-connected community.

History of Farmers Branch

Early Settlement and Naming: Farmers Branch holds a unique place in Dallas County history as one of its oldest settlements. The area was first settled in 1842 by pioneers who received land grants from the Texan Land and Emigration Company, also known as the Peters Colony. A community was established by 1843, originally named “Mustang Branch” after the wild mustang grapes that grew along the creek. However, settler William Cochran later changed the name to “Farmers Branch” to reflect the area’s fertile soil and rich farmlands.

Pioneering “Firsts” for Dallas County: Farmers Branch was the site of several key “firsts” for the county, a testament to its early importance as a pioneer settlement. These included:

The first formal church, Webb’s Chapel, founded in 1845.

The first school, which started in the church in 1846.

- The first blacksmith shop and the first gristmill, both established in 1845.The first cotton gin, built in 1849.Incorporation and Growth: The community remained a small, agricultural town for decades. Its population stayed relatively stable until after World War II, when the post-war suburban boom took hold. In 1946, the community was officially incorporated as a city. The population grew rapidly in the following years, fueled by its proximity to Dallas and the development of major transportation arteries like Interstate 35E and Interstate 635.Business and Modernization: By the 1970s, Farmers Branch had evolved into a commercial and industrial hub. Its central location in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and excellent highway access made it an attractive site for businesses. Today, Farmers Branch is home to over 4,000 companies and numerous corporate headquarters, solidifying its reputation as a major business center.
  Modern Farmers Branch

Today, Farmers Branch is a dynamic city known for:

The “City in a Park”: Farmers Branch has invested heavily in green spaces and recreation, earning it the nickname “The City in a Park.” The city boasts 28 parks, miles of trails, and a variety of recreational facilities, including an aquatics center. The Farmers Branch Historical Park, a 27-acre open-air museum, is a major highlight, preserving the city’s pioneer past with several historic buildings.
Business and Economy: The city is a significant economic engine in North Texas. Its location at the intersection of several major highways, including I-35E, I-635, and the Dallas North Tollway, makes it a premier business hub. It’s home to a large number of corporations and is part of the “Platinum Corridor” of business development in the region.
Transportation Hub: Farmers Branch is a transportation nexus, with its central location providing convenient access to both Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field. The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) light rail system also serves the city, with multiple stations on the Green Line.