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The history of Richardson
Richardson pairs its Telecom Corridor and university setting with a broad restaurant scene and the Eisemann Center. Explore local businesses by neighborhood and actual address, from downtown streets to the city’s northern districts.
People who shaped Richardson
These milestones are an introduction, not a complete local history. Follow the linked city and museum sources to explore the people and places behind them.Read the local historical account.
Watch the city’s history
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Business History of Richardson, Texas
Richardson's economic-development channel explores the city's business history and technology industry.
Watch on YouTube ↗
FROM THE ARCHIVES
A Tour of Historic Old Downtown Richardson
Dr. Steven Butler tours the surviving commercial buildings of Richardson’s historic downtown, which grew from the 1873 railway townsite.
Watch on YouTube ↗
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Thirty Years, Thirty Voices: An Oral History of Richardson
Civic leaders share their memories of the city in an oral history from the Leadership Richardson Alumni Association.
Watch on YouTube ↗Famous people born in Richardson
See all 17 famous people
- 1858
Breckinridge before Richardson
A small settlement called Breckinridge grew up with a post office, general store, blacksmith shop and inn. It lasted until just after 1873, when the railroad bypassed it in favor of the new town of Richardson.
Texas State Historical Association: Handbook of Texas ↗ - 1873
A railroad community
Richardson was founded beside the Houston & Texas Central Railway. Its earliest businesses included a general store, a post office and a drug store, serving a small agricultural community.
City of Richardson ↗ - 1908–1924
Electric rail and the Red Brick Road
Interurban service began in 1908. Completion of the Red Brick Road, today's Greenville Avenue, in 1924 brought more road traffic and helped change the town's connections to the region.
City of Richardson ↗ - 1922
The first community fair
Richardson held its first Community Fair, largely to promote interest in agriculture and livestock. A midway, exhibits and entertainment helped draw visitors from Dallas and nearby towns.
Texas State Historical Association: Handbook of Texas ↗ - 1925–1926
Local government and waterworks
Richardson incorporated in 1925 and elected Thomas F. McKamy as mayor. Bond-funded waterworks followed in 1926, supplying indoor water as municipal services expanded.
City of Richardson ↗ - 1954–1958
Expressway and electronics
Central Expressway opened through Richardson in 1954. Collins Radio purchased land the following year and opened its facility in 1958, helping establish the city's electronics identity.
City of Richardson ↗ - 1956
Home rule and suburban growth
Richardson voters approved a home rule charter and a council-manager form of city government. New zoning created industrial parks, and the population grew to 43,900 by 1970.
Texas State Historical Association: Handbook of Texas ↗ - 1969
A university takes its name
The Southwest Center for Advanced Studies became part of the University of Texas System as the University of Texas at Dallas. The institution added a major educational presence to the growing city.
City of Richardson ↗ - 1980s
The Telecom Corridor
Several telecommunications firms, including MCI Communications, opened facilities in Richardson, most within a mile of Central Expressway. The boom earned the city the nickname Telecom Corridor.
Texas State Historical Association: Handbook of Texas ↗ - 2002
Rail and the performing arts
Dallas Area Rapid Transit’s Red Line reached Richardson, opening three stations in the city. The Eisemann Center for the Performing Arts opened the same year.
Texas State Historical Association: Handbook of Texas ↗
See the history for yourself.
Check current opening hours and visitor information before you go: Eisemann Center.
For local services and public information, the local government website is a starting point. For historical research, consult local libraries, archives and museums and check collection-specific image permissions.
Selected milestones from the linked historical sources. This is an introduction, not a complete account of the city’s history.