History of Irving, Texas: From Prairie Town to Thriving City

The Land Before Irving: Native American Roots

Long before the arrival of settlers, the area that became Irving was home to Native American tribes, including the Comanche and Wichita. These indigenous communities thrived on the fertile land and along the banks of the Trinity River, hunting buffalo and cultivating crops.

Evidence of their presence, such as arrowheads and pottery fragments, has been uncovered throughout the region. Their deep respect for the land and resources laid a foundation for later generations who would also call this place home.

Early Settlers Arrive: The Mid-19th Century

By the mid-1800s, the open prairies of North Texas began attracting European-American settlers, drawn by the promise of land and opportunity. Farmers, ranchers, and merchants moved into the area, establishing homesteads and planting crops like cotton and corn.

This period also brought significant changes to the landscape as fences, roads, and small wooden structures began to dot the wide, open fields. Despite the challenges of harsh weather, wildfires, and limited resources, these pioneers worked hard to build a future on the Texas frontier.

The Founding of Irving: 1903

The official founding of Irving came in 1903 when real estate developers Otis Brown and J.O. Schulze, both working for the Chicago, Rock Island and Gulf Railway, purchased 80 acres of land to create a new town. The railway itself was a critical factor, as it provided a means for farmers to transport their goods to market.

Why the name “Irving”?

It is believed the city was named after author Washington Irving, whom Schulze admired. This name stood out as unique in the region, giving the town its own distinct identity from the start.

That same year, the town’s first general store opened, and a post office was established, cementing its place on the map as a growing settlement.

The Early Community: 1910s and 1920s

During its first few decades, Irving remained a small but tight-knit farming community. Families worked the land during the day and gathered for church socials, school events, and fairs in the evenings.

Notable milestones from this era:

• 1914: The first public school was built.

• 1915: The city was incorporated, giving it official legal standing.

• 1918: Population reached around 500 residents.

Irving’s residents relied on one another, and their cooperative spirit helped the town weather tough times, including World War I and subsequent economic challenges.

The Depression and World War II: Growth Amid Hardship

Like much of the United States, Irving struggled during the Great Depression of the 1930s, but the community persisted. Residents turned to gardens, bartering, and tight budgets to make ends meet.

The World War II Boom:

With the outbreak of World War II in the 1940s, Irving — thanks to its proximity to Dallas — saw an influx of defense-related industries and workers. The demand for goods and services created jobs, spurring economic activity and bringing new residents to town.

Postwar Prosperity: The 1950s and Suburban Expansion

The post-World War II era transformed Irving from a modest farming town into a booming suburban city. As the population of Dallas surged, many families sought quieter, more spacious neighborhoods, and Irving was perfectly positioned to meet this demand.

Key developments:

• Residential subdivisions sprang up almost overnight.

• New schools, parks, and churches were built to serve the growing population.

• The construction of DFW International Airport nearby would soon position Irving as a crucial transportation hub.

By 1960, Irving’s population had skyrocketed to over 45,000 residents, reflecting its transition into a modern city.