National Register Listing

Texas Theatre

231 W. Jefferson Blvd., Dallas, TX
The Texas Theatre, 231 W. Jefferson Boulevard, in Dallas, Texas, is nominated to the National Register under Criterion A, at the national level of significance in the area of Politics/Government and at the local level of significance in the area of Recreation/Entertainment. The 1931 Texas Theatre is significant at the local level as a theatre of the "movie palace" era, an atmospheric theater based upon the designs of John Eberson, a nationally known theater designer. The Texas Theatre was designed by W. Scott Dunne, an architect who designed numerous atmospheric theaters across the state of Texas. As places of recreation, these theaters expressed the importance of the emerging movie industry and the public's desire for an escape to new experiences and places.

The Texas Theatre is significant at the national level as the site of the arrest of Lee Harvey Oswald on November 22, 1963. Oswald was apprehended by the Dallas Police at 1:51 pm, just over an hour after the shooting of President John F. Kennedy and half an hour after the shooting of Dallas Police Officer J. D. Tippet eight blocks from the theater. Oswald was seated in the auditorium when the police apprehended him following a short struggle in front of several witnesses. The arrest of Oswald led to a series of events and media coverage unprecedented in the history of the United States, spurred by the shooting of Oswald in the basement of Dallas City Hall two days later by Dallas nightclub owner Jack "Ruby" Rubenstein. On November 29, 1963, President Johnson established the President's Council on the Assassination of President John F. Kennedy, also known as the Warren Commission. The Warren Commission Report, published on September 24, 1964, was the subject of intense scrutiny and criticism which spawned an immense amount of speculation and theory associated with the President's assassination and Oswald's role in it. The role that Oswald played in the President's assassination has been the subject of thousands of books and articles in part because Oswald, who was shot two days after President Kennedy was killed, was never thoroughly interrogated or tried in court for the crime of assassinating the President, leaving many unanswered questions to speculation. Along with the site of Kennedy's assassination, Dealey Plaza, the Texas Theatre serves to remind and to help reconcile the events in Dallas on November 22, 1963, and after. Because of its direct association with well-documented events of national importance as a property that has achieved significance within the past 50 years.
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Entertainment/recreation

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2003.

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.

politics government entertainment recreation
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The first oil well in the United States was drilled in Texas in 1859. The discovery of oil transformed the economy of the state and helped to make Texas one of the wealthiest states in the nation.
Texas random facts
Dallas County, located in northern Texas, has a rich history that has contributed to its growth and significance. Here is a concise summary of its historical journey:

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.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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.