*** Welcome to piglix ***

DeSoto, Texas

DeSoto, Texas
City
City of DeSoto
Flag of DeSoto, Texas
Flag
Official logo of DeSoto, Texas
Logo
Motto: "Live, Work, Play in DeSoto"
Location of DeSoto in Dallas County, Texas
Location of DeSoto in Dallas County, Texas
Coordinates: 32°35′57″N 96°51′32″W / 32.59917°N 96.85889°W / 32.59917; -96.85889Coordinates: 32°35′57″N 96°51′32″W / 32.59917°N 96.85889°W / 32.59917; -96.85889
Country  United States of America
State  Texas
County Dallas
Incorporated 1949
Government
 • Type Council-Manager
 • City Council Mayor Curtistene McCowan
Virgil Helm
Deshaundra Lockhart-Jones
Rachel Proctor
Dick North
Candice Quarles
James Zander
 • City Manager Dr.Tarron J. Richardson
Area
 • Total 21.6 sq mi (55.9 km2)
 • Land 21.6 sq mi (55.9 km2)
 • Water 0 sq mi (0 km2)
Elevation 666 ft (203 m)
Population (2012)
 • Total 51,102
 • Density 2,400/sq mi (910/km2)
Time zone Central (UTC-6)
 • Summer (DST) Central (UTC-5)
ZIP codes 75115, 75123
Area code(s) 972
FIPS code 48-20092
GNIS feature ID 1373357
Website The City of DeSoto, Texas

DeSoto is a city in Dallas County, Texas, in the United States. As of the 2010 census it had a population of 49,047.

DeSoto is a suburb of Dallas and is part of the Best Southwest area, which includes DeSoto, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and Lancaster.

The area was first settled in 1847, making it one of the oldest communities in North Texas. A post office was established in 1881, and the settlement was named DeSoto in honor of Thomas Hernando DeSoto Stewart, a doctor dedicated to the community.

By 1885, DeSoto was home to approximately 120 people, a cotton gin, and a general store. Soon after, the population declined to below 50. In 1930, there were 97 people living in the community and several businesses.

After World War II, DeSoto and surrounding areas began to grow. In order to improve the inadequate water distribution system, residents felt the need to incorporate the town. On February 17, 1949, a petition signed by 42 eligible voters was presented to the Dallas County judge requesting an election for incorporation. The vote took place on March 2. Of the 52 people who cast ballots, 50 voted in favor of incorporation and 2 were opposed. On March 3, 1949, the results were entered into the records of the Dallas County Commissioners Court, thereby creating the City of DeSoto. The new city was less than one square mile in size. On March 15, Wayne A. Chowning was elected mayor along with five aldermen. The first city council meeting was held two days later.

The first census conducted after DeSoto's incorporation occurred in 1950. There were 298 people and eight businesses in the city. Following a series of annexations in 1953, the city covered approximately 15 square miles (39 km2). By 1960, the population had grown to 1,969. In 1970, DeSoto was home to 6,617 people and 71 businesses.


...
Wikipedia

...