Cole Park

Cole Park, a seemingly ordinary green space, holds a secret. It almost became the birthplace of the State Fair of Texas. In 1886, Dallas was buzzing with the idea of a grand exposition. Civic leaders formed the Dallas State Fair Association. They envisioned a place to showcase the city’s progress and attract newcomers. Cole Park, then owned by John R. “Jack” Cole, was a serious contender. His 90-acre property in north Dallas was offered for $6,000 in association stock. Imagine the bustling fairgrounds that might have been. However, another piece of land in East Dallas, championed by Captain William H. Gaston, entered the picture. A power struggle erupted, dividing the association. The “implement men,” dealers in farm equipment, favored Cole Park. They saw Gaston’s proposal as a self-serving scheme. They even accused him of forming a syndicate to push his land. Gaston’s offer was ultimately accepted, leading to the birth of Fair Park, not at Cole Park. The implement men, feeling betrayed, formed their own “Texas State Fair” on Cole’s land. Cole Park’s destiny took a different turn. Today, this seven-acre community park, established in 1923, offers a tranquil escape. It’s a place for pickleball enthusiasts, boasting a thriving community. But beneath the surface lies the story of what might have been: the State Fair of Texas, right here at Cole Park.