Want to Know More About Addison, Texas?

Addison, Texas, is a dynamic and unique town located in Dallas County, just north of the city of Dallas and often considered part of the “Far North Dallas” region. Despite its small size of only 4.4 square miles, it’s a major commercial and entertainment hub for the entire Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

History of Addison

The history of Addison is a classic American story of a small rural community that grew and transformed with the coming of the railroad and, later, the automobile.

Early Settlement: The area was part of the Peters Colony land grant and was first settled in the mid-1840s. One of the early settlers, Preston Witt, built a home on White Rock Creek in 1846. The name “Addison” didn’t come into use until the early 20th century. Before that, it was known as Noell Junction, after an early landowner.
The Railroad Arrives: The arrival of the St. Louis, Arkansas and Texas Railway (part of the Cotton Belt Line) in 1888 was a turning point. Landowners donated property for a depot, which quickly established the community as a center for commerce and attracted businesses, stores, and a bank.
Naming the Town: In 1904, a post office was established. Since a community named “Noell” already existed in another part of Texas, the new town was named after Addison Robertson, who served as the community’s second postmaster.Incorporation and Growth: Addison was officially incorporated as a city on June 15, 1953, primarily to prevent being annexed by the rapidly expanding city of Dallas. The town’s population was around 600 at the time.The Catalyst of the 1970s: The biggest boom for Addison came in the 1970s. In 1976, residents voted to legalize the sale of alcoholic beverages. At the time, most surrounding communities in Dallas County were “dry,” which made Addison an immediate destination for restaurants and hotels. This, combined with low property tax rates, was an enormous economic catalyst that fueled rapid growth and turned the small town into a major entertainment district.
Addison Airport: Another key factor in Addison’s development was the construction of the Addison Airport in 1956. Originally a private venture, it was eventually purchased by the town. The airport, with its focus on business aircraft, became a magnet for corporate offices and a major driver of the local economy.

Addison Today

Today, Addison is known for its:

Vibrant Entertainment Scene: Addison has more restaurants per capita than any other city in the United States. Its nightlife, bars, and a wide array of dining options make it a destination for people from across the metroplex.

Major Special Events: The town is famous for its nationally recognized annual events, which draw hundreds of thousands of visitors. These include:

Kaboom Town!: A massive Fourth of July celebration with a spectacular fireworks display.

Taste Addison: A food and music festival showcasing the town’s diverse culinary scene.

Addison Oktoberfest: A popular celebration of German culture with food, music, and beer.

Corporate Hub: Despite its small population (around 17,000), Addison has a daytime population of over 100,000, thanks to a large number of corporate offices and businesses.

Unique Developments: Addison is home to innovative mixed-use developments like Vitruvian Park, which combines residential living with a large, beautiful park system, and Addison Circle, an urbanist-style community with a park at its center.