Texas International Pop Festival
Historical marker location:The Texas International Pop Festival took place near this site during Labor Day weekend, 1969. It was held two weeks after the Woodstock Music and Art Fair introduced much of mainstream America to the “hippie” culture by way of news reports of the chaos that occurred there in part due to rainy weather and lax security. The Texas festival brought as many as 150,000 hippies, bikers and music lovers to Lewisville, which at the time had a population of approximately 9,000 citizens.
The Dallas International Motor Speedway, situated along Interstate Highway 35 south of town, was chosen as the location for the event. Twenty-five musical acts, representing the genres of soul, blues and rock and roll performed during the three days of the festival. Acts included Janis Joplin, Sly & the Family Stone, Grand Funk Railroad, Chicago Transit Authority, Herbie Mann and a relatively unknown United Kingdom band called Led Zeppelin.
On the north side of Lewisville, a public campground situated on the shores of Lewisville Lake served the thousands of festival attendees. A small “free stage” was constructed at the campground and local bands were brought in to perform for the campers. The skinny-dipping in Lake Lewisville that resulted from the lack of shower facilities and the late-summer heat drew much attention.
Many locals demanded that the festival be shut down because of the threat of violence and unsavory activity, but there were no acts of violence reported at the festival. However, area citizens were introduced to a culture that had previously been foreign to them and many who attended look back on the festival as a life-changing event
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
Texas has been a major oil-producing state for over a century. The first big oil discovery in Texas was the Spindletop field near Beaumont in 1901, which set off a massive oil boom that transformed the state's economy and made Texas one of the wealthiest states in the country.
Denton County was officially established in 1846 and named after John B. Denton, a prominent figure in Texas history. The county played a significant role in the early days of Texas statehood and witnessed the challenges and triumphs of westward expansion.
Throughout the 19th century, Denton County thrived due to the expansion of railroads and the arrival of new settlers. Agriculture, particularly the production of cotton, became a key economic driver. Educational institutions, such as the University of North Texas and Texas Woman's University, were founded in Denton County during this period, establishing a legacy of academic excellence.
In the 20th century, Denton County continued to evolve. The discovery of oil in the area brought new economic opportunities, and the county experienced further growth and urbanization. Today, Denton County is a dynamic and thriving region with a diverse economy that includes sectors such as education, healthcare, technology, and manufacturing.
Denton County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Denton County, Texas.
Native American Inhabitation: Before European settlement, Denton County was home to various Native American tribes, including the Wichita and Tonkawa.
Anglo-American Settlement: In the mid-1800s, Anglo-American settlers began to arrive, drawn by the fertile land and prospects for farming and ranching. The Peters Colony, a land grant company, played a significant role in attracting these settlers.
County Formation: Denton County was officially established in 1846, named after John B. Denton, a prominent preacher and soldier who died during the Texas Revolution.
Growth and Development: The county's growth accelerated with the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s, leading to the establishment of towns such as Denton, Lewisville, and Frisco. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became a key economic driver in the region.
Education: Denton County became an educational hub with the founding of the University of North Texas (formerly known as North Texas Normal College) in 1890. The university has since grown into a major educational institution.
Modernization and Urbanization: In the 20th century, Denton County experienced suburban growth and industrial development, especially with the expansion of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The county's population has steadily increased, and it is now one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas.