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