Early Years / Prehistory to 1873

At the Three Forks

The Trinity River is the key natural feature of Dallas County. It drew pioneers to build cities in the area, and sustained life there for centuries before. Dallas County is crossed by the White Rock Cuesta, a ridge of Austin Chalk limestone rising above the land. The river has cut a gap through it about midway through the county, so the cuesta became an underwater road that made it easier to cross the river. That crossing drew travellers long before new settlers arrived in the 1840s.

The term “Three Forks” refers to the place where the main river splits in two, forming the Elm Fork, which runs north toward Farmers Branch, and the West Fork, which continues to Fort Worth. Plants, animals and people all gather near sources of water, so the river and the creeks and streams teemed with life.