Garland is located near the city of Dallas in Texas. This place is popular for being a vibrant and diverse place to visit. There are lots of all-American Texan features to enjoy in this place, and as well as gorgeous outdoor scenery and fun indoor attractions you can see. The city has an estimated population of 242,507 in 2020, based on the World Population Review, making it the 12th most populous city in Texas.
If you are traveling to Texas soon, then you might want to visit Garland and explore this beautiful place. If you’re wondering about the things you can do here, or you want to know more information about the place, then you’re in the right place. Today, we are going to give you some of the things you want to know about Garland and its history.
Garland’s History
Pioneers started arriving in what would later be known as Garland in the early 1800s. Garland City is adjacent to West Dallas, and it was founded in 1887 after two railroad rival communities, Embree and Duck Creek, failed to agree on which of the two should have the local post office. The post office was then moved to a neutral position between the two communities, and it was named Garland. The city got its name from Augustus H. Garland, who was a hero in the Reconstruction South as he served as the Attorney General to President Grover Cleveland.
Garland was incorporated in 1891, and at the beginning of the 1900s, the town started to expand. By 1904, Garland had a population of 819 individuals. During this period, various urban areas began to get electricity services. Garland leaders were shocked to learn that most of the private utility enterprises were more interested in making profits than working together with small communities.
The Fairbanks-Morse Company came to the rescue of Garland town and loaned the town a small generator with an agreement that the profits realized would be used in paying back the company. Garland began to supply power to its citizens on 1st April 1923, and that is how Garland Power & Lighting emerged.
The 1st and 2nd World Wars brought with them colossal destruction around the world, but Garland benefitted in a big way as agriculture was the town’s primary source of income. The wars created a demand for agricultural goods resulting in a boom in business.
Organizations such as Luscombe rushed to establish manufacturing facilities, which brought with them a growing population and revenue. Currently, Garland has more than 300 manufacturers, according to Garland Chamber of Commerce, making it one of the largest manufacturing cities in Texas.
Garland Today
As of 2018, Garland has a population of 242,507. The racial makeup of the city comprises of white (57.5%), African-American (14.5%), Asian (9.4%), Native American (0.8%), Pacific Islander (0.04%), other race (14.4%) and people of two or more races (3.3%). Hispanics or Latinos make up of 37.8% of the population, while whites (non-Latino and non-Hispanic) are 36.7% of the population.
As for the state of education in the city, Garland is served by the Garland Independent School District (GISD). As of 2006, there are 52,391 students and 3,326 teachers.
Garland has a number of interesting high schools. For example, Garland High School is home to the district’s international baccalaureate program. North Garland High School specializes in math and science and technology. Lakeview Centennial High School is the “college and career” magnet school. South Garland High School, on the other hand, is known for its vocational cosmetology program.
Garland has public and private colleges, including Richland College (a public community college) and Amberton University (a fully accredited private university offering both undergraduate and graduate programs).
The City of Garland is culturally diverse and is a major industrial and manufacturing hub. Garland has a rich history, and the community boasts of an extensive array of outdoor activities, shopping, arts, and special events. Below are some of the attractions you can visit when in Garland City.
Attractions You Can Visit in Garland, Texas
Downtown Garland
A visit to Garland won’t be complete without a trip to Downtown Garland, where the beguiling mix of history and commerce appeals to both locals and tourists.
Specialty shops and eateries are housed in charming colonial-style buildings, where people go to shop and sample local cuisine by day. As dusk looms, Garland turns itself into a vibrant cultural community.
The City Hall and the Central Library are also situated in this area. Other amenities include places for fitness and wellness, salons, banks, and other commercial establishments.
Some of the must-see attractions in Downtown Garland include the Granville Arts Center and The Plaza Theater (more details on them later in this article). Every Saturday night, visit the square where the local band plays music and entertains locals and tourists.
The Garland Downtown Business Association manages and promotes commercial establishments in the area as well as property owners. It provides a sound and cohesive voice for the property owners and merchants while helping to preserve the downtown’s rich historical and cultural atmosphere.
Resistol Hat Plant
Your visit to Garland Texas will not be complete until you get a cowboy hat. But instead of buying one from the rack, consider visiting Resistol Hat Plant. You will be privileged to watch how the iconic hats from the 1930s are made. It will take you about an hour with the tour going through every procedure of the plant, but you’ll appreciate the hats better when you get one from their souvenir shop at their site.
Garland Landmark Museum
The Landmark Museum in Garland will give you a ride through time from the 1850s to the present day. It is situated at 393 N. Sixth Street. The museum preserves, displays, and collects all the historical artifacts of the city. From early settlers like farm tools, old newspapers, plus other everyday items that showcase how the town’s people lived their lives.
Rowlett Creek Preserve
One of the best parks you can find in Garland is the Rowlett Creek Preserve. It features lush trails, picnic areas, and gazebos. When you try the trails, you will be rewarded with fantastic city views, as well. Also, if you want an off-road adventure, there are decent biking trails you can enjoy here, too, with your whole family.
Hawaiian Falls Waterpark
If you visit Garland during summer, the Hawaiian Waterpark Falls will keep you cool. It is one of Texas’s top-rated parks, and it houses more than ten rides, from exciting rides such as Hawaiian Halfpipe and the Rush to relaxing areas like Kona Kooler and Waikiki Beach. Whether you are visiting with family or friends, this can be an exciting way to shelter from the scorching heat of summer.
Lake Ray Hubbard
Lake Ray Hubbard is perfect for people who love water activities. It is one of the largest lakes in North Texas, and it’s ideal for fishing, windsurfing, and water skiing. The most famous attraction in the lake is Rockwall Harbor, which offers live music, great dining options, and walkways where you can enjoy beautiful sunsets.
Granville Arts Center
Granville Arts Center is found in the heart of downtown Garland. This is a beautiful event and meeting facility that includes two theatres that have fixed seating, a lobby area, and the Atrium Ballroom. If you love art, then this is the place for you, as it serves as the centerpiece of the arts scene in Garland, Texas.
Plaza Theatre
This fantastic theatre has been in operation since the 1940s, serving as a source of entertainment, and as one of Garland’s popular landmarks. The 350-seat Plaza Theatre provides movie lovers with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Plaza Theatre is also the ideal venue for concerts, receptions, stage productions, and business meetings.
There are a lot of reasons why you should visit Garland, Texas. But when visiting the city, one of the things you might want to consider is the season — the city has torrid summers and frigid winters. The best time that we can recommend is between 19th March and 13th May. Those are the times when Garland has ideal weather. We hope the information in this article will help you plan your trip to Garland, Texas.
