Ever wonder how a U.S. Attorney General gave his name to a Texas town? That’s the story of Garland. We are standing in the heart of a city forged from compromise and powered by a pioneering spirit. Garland began as two rival communities Embree and Duck Creek.
Imagine the tension. The towns squabbled. They fought over the location of the local post office. Dallas County Judge Thomas F. Nash sought a solution. He asked Congressman Joe Abbott for help.
In 1887 Abbott moved the post office. The new location needed a name. It was named Garland after Augustus Hill Garland. He was the U.S. Attorney General. Soon after, Embree and Duck Creek combined. They formed the city of Garland. It was officially incorporated in 1891.
Garland continued to grow. By 1904, it had 819 residents. In the early 1900s Garland faced a challenge. Private utility companies cared more about profit. They cared less about working with small communities. So Garland took matters into its own hands.
In 1923, Garland Power & Light was born. The city secured a loan. It purchased a small generator from Fairbanks-Morse. This bold move gave Garland residents not-for-profit public utility services. Garland controlled its own destiny.
Disaster struck on May 9, 1927. A devastating F4 tornado hit Garland. Fifteen people died including former Mayor S. E. Nicholson. The resilient community rebuilt. Businesses returned in the late 1930s. The Craddock food company moved to town. Later, the Byer-Rolnick hat factory arrived. It is now known as Resistol.
During World War II, aircraft plants boosted Garland’s economy. After the war, Kraft Foods purchased a vacant plant. By 1950, Garland’s population exceeded 10,000. The city continued to flourish.
Today, Garland is a major manufacturing and industrial hub. It has a diverse economy. Garland has industries ranging from electronics to food processing. Resistol Hats remains a point of pride. Its premium hats have been worn by notable figures worldwide.
In the 21st century, Garland embraces arts and culture. The Granville Arts Center hosts various events. These include theater productions and concerts. The Garland Landmark Museum preserves the city’s history.
Garland’s story is one of resilience. It is a story of innovation and community spirit. From rival towns to a thriving city, Garland has overcome challenges. It has emerged as a vibrant cultural and economic center in North Texas. As we leave Garland remember its motto Texas Made Here. It reflects the city’s proud heritage.