Interstate Forwarding Company Warehouse
3200 Main St., Dallas, TXThe town's growth paralleled an increase in political and economic influence. Historians often point to the selection of Dallas as the Federal Reserve Bank for the Eleventh District (1914) as one of the most significant events in Dallas' development. A less-known, but perhaps equally important act was enacted the previous year. President William Howard Taft, on his last day in office, announced a reorganization of the U.S. Customs Service (62nd Congress, 3rd session, House Documents, vol. 135). Dallas was named as one of the new ports of entry in a national reorganization that trimmed the number of ports from 165 to 49. Reports in the Dallas Morning News (3/6/13, I, p.8) cite the extraordinary efforts of the Dallas Chamber of Commerce under the direction of Secretary J. R. Babcock and Congressman Jack Beall, noting the pair had worked for three years to secure the designation. The Reorganization Act established five custom districts in Texas: Sabine, Laredo, El Paso, Eagle Pass, and Galveston. The Galveston District would administer much of the territory in the state and ports of entry included Galveston, San Antonio, Port Lavaca, Houston, and Dallas.
Dallas' inclusion as a port of entry realized a long-held ambition. Town founders had plotted and invested large sums to secure a water passage up the Trinity River from the Gulf of Mexico. Failing in these efforts, planners turned to the new technology of overland rails to link interior lands with the Gulf Coast. Dallas, with its advanced rail network by 1913 could, at last, become the port city that town founder Bryan had envisaged. Goods could be shipped inland to storage, to be transferred or warehoused as needed, just as the major seaport cities operated. The designation recognized Dallas' status and mandated continued growth as a regional distribution and marketing center serving the midwest, including areas of Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, and beyond.
The advantage of a local port for regional importers was profound. Under the previous operation, local merchants had to travel to distant ports (Galveston was the nearest facility to Dallas) and were required to accept the entire consignment and pay all duties, then have the merchandise removed for later sale. The new act specified that duties were to be paid only on that portion removed from storage at the customs facility. A shipment could be taken in smaller parcels, enabling the importer to pay duties only after having secured orders (and possibly payment). The balance of the shipment could be left in a secured and bonded facility for a period of up to five years prior to removal. Not only were up-front duty costs avoided, but also interim shipment and storage charges.
Owners of the warehouse facility had to obtain bonding certification as part of the process of participation as a customs warehouse. Bonding required the owners to secure a pledge that all duties due on goods and materials entering the facility would be paid, either by the importer or by the operator of the facility. The bonding itself was secured by the sale of bonds or through an insurance underwriter.
Today numerous bonded customs warehouses are found throughout Dallas. Just after the enactment of the legislation, however, the fortunate operator meeting specifications had a distinct advantage over other warehouse facilities. All goods entering the region from foreign ports had to pass through the facility, assuring an active operation. The 1913 announcement regarding the impending legislation was eagerly anticipated locally. Newspaper accounts regularly reported on the progress to secure Dallas' inclusion as a port. When the announcement came, local investors and builders were ready.
Edward Cowen Connor, a principal owner of the future Interstate Forwarding Company Warehouse building, was quoted in a Dallas Times Herald article of March 6, 1913, regarding the construction of a new warehouse building. "We will store the goods under the supervision of the deputy collector of customs and will also store other goods for private individuals and firms...." (Dallas Times Herald, I, p.7). From the timing of this announcement, only two days after the passage of the act, it is apparent that Connor and his group had secured through prior arrangement an exclusive franchise. On April 11, 1913, a building permit for the construction of a "brick warehouse" was applied for by "Messieurs Milam and Connor" (sic) (City of Dallas, Building Permits, April 8-15, 1913, p. 21, line 29).
The building was constructed through a partnership recorded as B.D. Milam and Ed C. Connor, principal owners. A smaller structure, sharing a partial (east) party wall, the Lincoln Paint and Color Company, was built in 1910 by the Milam/Connor Partnership. In 1914 a third principal, Locksley Fife, was added.
Boyd D. Milam was the elder partner of the group and served as president. A native of Tennessee, he moved to Dallas in 1900. A great uncle, Benjamin Milam, was a hero of the Texas Revolution. Boyd Milam died in 1915 at 58 years of age. (Dallas Morning News, 3/1/15).
Edward Cowen Connor, vice-president of the company was a relatively young man at the time of the building construction announcement. He was born in Dallas in 1883, the son of the three-term mayor (1887-1894) and president of the Union Terminal Company, Winship Capers Connor, and nephew of William Ott Connor, first mayor of Highland Park and later president of Republic National Bank (1920). Trained as a natural gas engineer, Ed C. Connor served as chief engineer for the City of Dallas and worked with Lone Star Gas as a consultant for much of his professional career. He married Grace Lanham, daughter of Governor S. W. Lanham and sister of Fritz Lanham, congressman from Weatherford, in the first such ceremony conducted in the Governor's Mansion. Ed C. Connor died in 1948 (Dallas Morning News, 1/30/48, I, p.3).
Locksley Fife served as treasurer for the group. A contemporary of Connor (born 1882), Fife began in business with a wholesale coal operation, the Texas Fuel and Supply Company. He added brick and clay products as a sideline, and the company became the Acme Brick Supply Company, a major manufacturer in the area, still in operation. A brother, Folsom, served as secretary of this building's development group and was also employed at Texas Fuel.
Construction of the facility began shortly after the permit had been granted in April 1913, and was completed by August (Dallas Times Herald, 9/10/13, p.14). The building was conceived as a strictly utilitarian facility, with little emphasis on ornamentation or embellishment. No mention of an architect has been found. Connor described the building as "... five-story reinforced....The buildings (sic) will be constructed according to the most approved plans and will be absolutely fireproof throughout. In fact there won't be any wood in it." (Dallas Times Herald, 3/6/13, p.7). Builders were so confident that no fire insurance was taken out for the building.
The building would serve only as a warehouse facility, as the U.S. Customs offices were downtown in the new federal building at Ervay and Commerce streets. Apparently, the developers soon anticipated a considerable demand for their new facility and added an additional (6th) floor, providing sufficient additional lease space for other businesses. The first major tenant was the Interstate Forwarding Company. This business quickly outgrew the facility and moved to its own building in 1920 and again in 1924 to Pacific and Market streets. Interstate continued its expansion and eventually became one of the largest operators of warehouse facilities in the country.
The Interstate Forwarding Company Warehouse building is in the 2nd of Dallas' two historic industrial districts that flank the downtown office district on the east and west (see map, p. 7-). Extending west from the courthouse downtown is the West End Historic District (NR 1978). It includes most of the land in Bryan's original township and dates to the earliest period of settlement. Original users included agricultural, cotton, and clothing manufacturers. In 1872 the area experienced a boom due to the arrival of the Houston & Texas Central Railroad that ran north/south just to the east of the district. Another service area east of downtown began development in 1873 with the arrival of the Texas and Pacific Railroad (T & P) that ran east/west. This area was known as Deep Ellum and had historically been an area of black settlement. In 1873 it developed a small business district with hotels, taverns, restaurants, and worker shacks. The area immediately around the T&P depot was used as stock yards. The major buildings from this period of development (1880- 1900) consisted of brick and were 2 to 3 stories. The Deep Ellum area experienced a resurgence in 1887 when the Gulf Coast and Santa Fe Railroad arrived. With three rail lines crossing east of downtown and a dense land use already existing in the West End Historic District, a new industrial area began to emerge in and around Deep Ellum. Munger Cotton Machine Company (NR 1983, Continental Gin Company) set the stage for the new industrial area now known as the Fair Park Industrial District, when they relocated there in 1888, and expanded in 1912 and 1914.
At the time that Milam and Connor bought their Main/Murray streets property in 1910, the area was still generally residential with only scattered commercial and warehouse users (Sanborn Insurance Map, 1905, revised 1916). Their first project, the Lincoln Paint Building shared the site with a hotel/boarding house. Construction of the 6-story IFCW building dramatically changed the still residential small-scale character of the area. Shortly thereafter a number of similar warehouse facilities were constructed and the Fair Park Industrial District began to emerge. A symbiotic relationship existed between the railroads, terminal buildings, and the adjacent users in that, as the area developed, rail services increased.
The Interstate Forwarding Company Warehouse building appears today much as it looked upon completion. A solid example of the commercial/industrial, reinforced concrete building type commonly found in other areas of the country, the type is relatively uncommon locally. Though other warehouses were built nearby, IFCW remains a dominant feature of the local landscape due to its 6-story height, volume, massing, use of color, and articulation. This building and the other commercial/industrial buildings that surround it represent a significant part of Dallas' history.
A large number of industrial buildings, building type, integrity, and period of significance, make the Deep Ellum/Fair Park Industrial District a potential historic district, of which IFCW would be a contributing member. The district is currently mixed-use, with Deep Ellum developing as one of Dallas' major entertainment districts of art galleries and restaurants. The Fair Park Industrial District is still largely industrial, but mixed-use conversions are taking place as part of an adaptive use trend.
The Interstate Forwarding Company Warehouse building has undergone rehabilitation as a mixed-use facility under the tax credit program. Interior spaces were divided up and the elevator was replaced. The large interior columns are still visible and the exterior remains largely intact, with the exception of a few infilled dock openings. The building has almost 100% occupancy, and the project is nearly complete.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Established in 1846, Dallas County played a crucial role in the development of North Texas. The county's namesake, George Mifflin Dallas, was the Vice President of the United States at the time. The city of Dallas, the county seat, quickly emerged as a center for trade and commerce due to its strategic location along major transportation routes.
During the late 19th century, Dallas County experienced rapid economic growth driven by industries such as cotton, railroads, and cattle. The city of Dallas became a major hub for cotton trading, attracting business and establishing itself as a prominent financial center in the Southwest.
In the 20th century, Dallas County continued to evolve and diversify its economy. The discovery of oil in the nearby East Texas Oil Field in the early 1900s led to the development of the oil industry in the region, contributing to the county's prosperity. The county also played a significant role in the aerospace industry, hosting the headquarters of major aerospace companies and contributing to the growth of aviation technology.
Dallas County's cultural landscape reflects its vibrant and diverse population. The county is home to a wide range of cultural institutions, including museums, art galleries, theaters, and music venues. Dallas County also played a notable role in the civil rights movement, with important milestones in the fight for equality and integration.
Today, Dallas County stands as a major economic and cultural center. It boasts a robust economy supported by various industries, including finance, technology, healthcare, and telecommunications. The county is known for its thriving arts scene, professional sports teams, and diverse culinary offerings.
With its rich history, economic vitality, and cultural significance, Dallas County continues to shape North Texas as a dynamic and influential region.
Dallas County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Dallas County, Texas.
Pre-19th Century: The area was originally inhabited by various indigenous tribes, including the Caddo, Wichita, and Comanche.
1839: Dallas County was officially established and named after George Mifflin Dallas, the Vice President of the United States under President James K. Polk.
Mid-19th Century: Dallas County experienced significant growth with the establishment of Dallas as a trading post and the arrival of settlers drawn by the opportunities in trade and agriculture.
Late 1800s: The county prospered with the expansion of railroads, particularly the Texas and Pacific Railway and the Houston and Texas Central Railroad, which solidified Dallas as a major transportation hub.
Early 20th Century: Dallas County saw a surge in economic development and urbanization. Industries such as oil, cotton, banking, and manufacturing fueled the city's growth.
1960s: Dallas County gained national attention due to its role in the civil rights movement. The city of Dallas was the site of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963.
Late 20th Century: Dallas County continued to experience rapid growth and diversification, becoming a major center for business, finance, and telecommunications. The county is known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, including the Dallas Arts District.
Today, Dallas County is the second-most populous county in Texas and home to the city of Dallas, a thriving metropolitan area.