What if I told you that a winged horse watches over Dallas? That’s right. We are standing before the Pegasus Statue Installation. The Flying Red Horse has become a landmark immediately. It represents more than just art. It embodies the spirit of Dallas.
The original Pegasus took flight in 1934. It landed atop the Magnolia Building. This 29-story building was Dallas’ first skyscraper. It was also the tallest building in Texas. The Magnolia Building was located at Akard and Commerce Streets.
The Pegasus was a symbol of the Magnolia Oil Company. It welcomed oilmen to the American Petroleum Institute meeting. The sign was never meant to be permanent. Yet, Pegasus still flies above the Magnolia Building.
Dallas residents called it the “Flying Red Horse”. Standing 450 feet above the street, it was visible for miles. Pilots spotted it 60 miles south in Hillsboro. Some even claimed to see it from Waco.
The structure consisted of twin horses. They were spaced 14 feet apart. Each horse measured 40 feet long and 32 feet high. A quarter of a mile of red neon tubing lit the silhouettes. The horses revolved on a 50-foot metal tower. This tower resembled an oil derrick.
Harold Wineburgh owned the Texlite sign company. He said, “Dallas doesn’t want to be known as a one horse town.” Texlite Inc. designed, manufactured, and installed the first Pegasus. Consulting engineers thought it was hazardous. They deemed it impractical to place such a large sign so high. Despite the challenges, construction finished on schedule.
In the 1930s, neon lighting became popular. A Frenchman introduced the first neon sign in Paris around 1910. Texlite brought neon and porcelain enamel to Texas. The company made signs for Magnolia Oil, Standard Oil, and others.
When Magnolia merged with Socony Mobil in 1959, Pegasus became the Mobil symbol. The City of Dallas recognized Pegasus as a “Landmark Sign” in 1973. In 1976, it became city property. ExxonMobil still uses the winged Pegasus as its logo.
By the late 1990s, the original Pegasus was deteriorating. Its steel panels rusted. The rotating base faltered. The neon tubing was broken. It seemed impossible to restore. The old Pegasus was removed in 1999.
A new Pegasus was built for $600,000. Private and corporate sponsors donated the funds. The original Pegasus was restored later. It now stands on the Omni Hotel grounds.
A crane and a helicopter disassembled the old Pegasus. The original panels served as templates for the new one. Galvanized steel was used to prevent future rusting. A weather station was installed to monitor wind conditions. American Porcelain Enamel and Casteel Associates helped with the project.
The new Pegasus debuted on New Year’s Eve 2000. The unveiling was broadcast on national television. Dallas celebrated the new millennium with its iconic symbol shining brightly.
Even surrounded by taller buildings, the Flying Red Horse remains visible. You can see it from downtown streets. The Pegasus symbolizes Dallas. It is like the Empire State Building for New York. Or the Eiffel Tower for Paris.
Jeremy McKane rediscovered the original Pegasus. It was found boxed in a shed. The restoration cost $200,000. Mayor Mike Rawlings re-lit the original Flying Red Horse. It once again shines brightly.
Pegasus is more than just a statue. It represents Dallas’ history, resilience, and dreams. Take a moment to appreciate this symbol. Remember the stories it holds. Let the Flying Red Horse inspire you.