Historic Oak Cliff Tour

Learn why it was "Hord's Ridge" originally and was intended to be the "Cambridge" of Dallas. In 1908, the Trinity River flood separated Oak Cliff from the rest of Dallas for a long period. In the 1830s and 40s, occasional settlers set up temporary stockades and houses on the west side of the Trinity River before Dallas was founded. The first permanent settlement was established in 1845 by William H. Hord, and was called Hord's Ridge. In 1887, T.L. Marsalis bought 2000 acres and began a development he called Oak Cliff. By 1900, Oak Cliff had a population of 3,630 people. The principal of the high school in 1900 was W.H. Adamson. He served for almost 40 years. Dallas set its eyes on Oak Cliff and proposed annexation. A heated debate ensued with citizens afraid the merger would hinder Oak Cliff's growth. The vote succeeded by a slim margin, 201 to 183. This increased Dallas's size by one third Tour Guide: Rose-Mary Rumbley. Cost: $50/non members, $40/members. Lunch: El Ranchito, Oak Cliff