Big D / 1919–1945

Centennial Exposition at Fair Park

The busy boosters of Dallas certainly did not stop trying to bring wealth to the county during the Great Depression. Their efforts to attract oil wealth were helpful, but their greatest success was winning the right to host the Texas Centennial Exposition in 1936. It was a turning point in Dallas’ history and probably earned it the nickname “Big D.”

Dallas had no historic claim to host a celebration of the successful Texas Revolution against Mexico of 1836 that created the independent republic. The leading contenders were Houston and San Antonio, both places that were central to the revolution. Neither Dallas County nor any of its cities had been established by 1836, and the area played no role in the fight for independence. Dallas won by having the most ambitious and attractive plan, backed by an offer to spend $7.79 million.