Get to know Grand Prairie, TX
Grand Prairie is a part of the Mid-Cities region in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The city was originally established as Dechman in 1863 by Alexander McRae Dechman who traded some oxen and a wagon for land. In 1867 he filed a town plat consisting of 50 acres of the land. Dechman traded half is property to the T&P Railroad in 1876 to ensure the railroad would run through the town. After some confusion with the U.S. Postal Service in setting up a post office in 1877, the town became Grand Prairie. It was incorporated in 1909. It played a large role in the defense and aviation industry in World War I, and has continued to have a large role in the industry and its history. The major employers in Grand Prairie include the Grand Prairie Independent School District, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, and Poly-American, Inc. Notable Grand Prairie residents include Selena Gomez and Kerry Wood.
Quick Facts
Population: 181,135
Median Household Income: $55,336
Median Property Value: $124,600