DeSoto, Texas
| DeSoto, Texas | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| City | |||
| City of DeSoto | |||
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| Motto: "Live, Work, Play in DeSoto" | |||
 Location of DeSoto in Dallas County, Texas |
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| Coordinates: 32°35′57″N 96°51′32″W / 32.59917°N 96.85889°WCoordinates: 32°35′57″N 96°51′32″W / 32.59917°N 96.85889°W | |||
| Country |  United States of America |
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| State |
 Texas
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| County |
 Dallas
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| Incorporated | 1949 | ||
| Government | |||
| • Type | Council-Manager | ||
| • City Council |
Mayor Curtistene McCowan Virgil Helm Deshaundra Lockhart-Jones Rachel Proctor Dick North Candice Quarles James Zander |
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| • 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.
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