-
- Town
53,170
65%
$71,124
26.6%
America/Chicago
75115
Welcome:
The WikiXM 'DeSoto' platform is your gateway to becoming an active part of our vibrant community, regardless of your age or how long you've called 'DeSoto' home. It's more than just a news platform; it's a thriving hub where the collective wisdom of every 'DeSoto' resident converges to ignite discussions, foster learning, and empower one another with knowledge about our beloved town.
Here in 'DeSoto', we have a diverse tapestry of residents. Some have roots that run deep, their knowledge steeped in the rich history of our town. Others are students, dedicated to keeping us updated on school activities, while many are committed to sharing the ebb and flow of daily life.
What's more, from a civic and political perspective, there are countless opportunities for you to join in. Many in our community offer updates on policies and decisions, offering their unique insights. This platform is where all these local perspectives meld together, creating a better place for everyone to live, regardless of your age or how long you've been a part of 'DeSoto'.
So, whether you're a long-time resident or a newcomer, young or old, WikiXM is your invitation to dive into the heart of our community, to engage, and help us all create a more vibrant, inclusive, and connected 'DeSoto'. Join us and let's make a difference together!
DeSoto, TX - History
We would like to provide the residents of DeSoto a basic history overview.
Welcome to the DeSoto Home page. The DeSoto Home page provides as much information as possible on DeSoto. Knowing DeSoto’s history is essential to guiding its future. Within DeSoto’s Home page, you will also find DeSoto’s Founders, Holiday, and Birthday sections.
DeSoto has a population of 53170. 44.3% of DeSoto’s inhabitants are Male, and 55.7 are female. 42.6% of DeSoto is married and 64.6% own their own home. The Average Home price is $196,106, and the average rent is $1,208. Household median income in DeSoto is $71,124, and the individual median income is $36,918. DeSoto’s Ethnic is the following: Black(68.5%), White(21.3%), Hispanic(18%), Other(5.3%), Multiple(4%), Asian(0.6%), Native(0.2%), Pacific(0.1%).
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. During the 1970s, continued growth brought about improvements to the municipal infrastructure, including road construction, and a new water/sewage system.
Industrial, commercial, and residential construction also increased. On October 26, 1974, an election was held to determine the status of Woodland Hills, a small incorporated community located northwest of DeSoto. The result was 221 votes in favor of a merger with DeSoto and 219 opposed. Woodland Hills had a population of 366 at the time of annexation. The rapid growth that began in the early 1970s was sustained throughout the 1980s.
1980 census figures put the city's population at slightly over 15,000. By 1984, DeSoto had a total of 360 businesses—up from 168 in 1980. The population surpassed 30,000 in 1990. City development progressed in the following years. A primary example of this was the creation of DeSoto's Town Center.
Officials converted an abandoned strip center located at one of the city's main intersections into a unique central business district. Since its opening, the Town Center has become an anchor of the community, housing city hall, the public library, a civic center and the recreation center. There is also a 180-seat auditorium and outdoor amphitheater. Throughout the 1990s, DeSoto experienced a significant change in the demographic composition of the city.
In the 1990 census, whites constituted 75.97% of the city's population, but that figure had declined to 48.83% in the 2000 census, and 17.4% non-Hispanic white by 2010. By contrast, the African American population grew rapidly. In 2000, African Americans were 45.53% of the population, up from 20.83% in 1990.
Hispanics accounted for 4.98% of the population in 1990 and 7.30% in 2000. With approximately 45,500 residents as of 2005, DeSoto is the largest and most diverse city in southwest Dallas County. On June 11, 2006, the National Civic League named DeSoto an "All-America City". The All-America City Award is the nation's oldest community recognition program and recognizes communities whose citizens work together to identify and tackle community-wide challenges and achieve uncommon results. A 2015 article stated there was a growing trend of largely middle class and educated African-Americans moving to DeSoto.
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