Frisco, Texas, is a city with a fascinating history of transformation, evolving from a small agricultural town into a bustling, modern community and a hub for professional sports and corporate headquarters.

Early History and the Railroad

Frisco’s story is deeply tied to the railroad.

Preston Trail: The area was first settled by pioneers traveling along the Preston Trail, a major cattle drive route that later became Preston Road, a key thoroughfare in the region. A community called “Lebanon” was founded along this trail and received a post office in 1860.

The Arrival of the St. Louis–San Francisco Railway: In 1902, the St. Louis–San Francisco Railway began laying tracks through the area. The steam engines needed frequent watering stops, and the land where Frisco now stands, being on a lower elevation than Lebanon, was ideal for a man-made lake.

Relocation and Renaming: The new train stop drew residents and businesses from Lebanon, who literally moved their homes and buildings to the new site. The new town was initially named “Emerson,” but that name was rejected by the U.S. Postal Service due to its similarity to another town in Texas. In 1904, the residents chose to honor the railway that brought them prosperity by naming the town “Frisco City,” which was later shortened to its current name.

For the next several decades, Frisco remained a small, agricultural community with a population below 2,000, known for its cotton gins and grain elevators.

The Modern Boom: The Late 20th and Early 21st Centuries

Frisco’s transformation into a major city began in the late 1980s, driven by its strategic location and visionary leadership.

Suburban Growth: As the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex expanded, Frisco’s location at the intersection of major highways like the Dallas North Tollway and Sam Rayburn Tollway (State Highway 121) made it an attractive destination for suburban development. The city experienced explosive population growth, becoming one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.

“Sports City USA”: Frisco has a unique identity as a major center for professional sports. The city made a deliberate effort to attract sports teams and their headquarters, leading to the creation of a series of state-of-the-art facilities. This has been a major driver of economic development and has earned the city the nickname “Sports City USA.”

The City Today: Demographics and Economy

Frisco is a prosperous and diverse community.

Population and Demographics: With a population of over 200,000, Frisco has a high median household income and a well-educated workforce. It is a diverse city with a significant Asian population and is known for its high-quality public schools.

Economic Drivers: Frisco’s economy is no longer based on agriculture. It is a hub for business, with a focus on technology, finance, and professional services. The city is a major draw for corporations, which are attracted by its low property tax rates and business-friendly environment. The development of Legacy Business Park in neighboring Plano also contributed significantly to the region’s growth.

Notable Landmarks and Attractions

Frisco is home to a number of impressive attractions that reflect its modern identity.

The Star: This is the world headquarters and training complex for the Dallas Cowboys. The facility includes a 12,000-seat indoor stadium, retail shops, and restaurants, and offers tours to the public.

Toyota Stadium: This is the home of FC Dallas, a Major League Soccer team. The stadium also hosts concerts and other major events.

Riders Field: This is the home of the Frisco RoughRiders, a Minor League Baseball team. The ballpark is known for its unique “lazy river” feature in the outfield.

Museum of the American Railroad: This museum moved to Frisco from Dallas and features a large collection of historic locomotives and rail cars.

National Videogame Museum: This museum chronicles the history of video games from the 1970s to the present, with a focus on interactive exhibits.