Formerly known as "Grape Vine" (or Leonardsville in the early-early days), Grapevine was named in 1854 for the wild mustang grapes that were synonymous with the region, and was the first permanent settlement in Tarrant County. (It's also why Grapevine's mascot is the Mustangs.) Over the last 150-plus years, this once vibrant farming and industrial rail community has crystalized into a DFW crown jewel city where folks enjoy the hometown feel with unbeatable proximity.
Grapevine's first settlers began to show up in the 1850's after Texas Independence and before The American Civil War thanks to General Sam Houston's successful negotiation with the Native tribes at Bird's Fort; which opened the land up to homesteaders. In the beginning, "Grape Vine" -- aptly named for the wild mustang grapes that seemed to be everywhere -- was a farming and ranching community. Cotton was the main crop, and was grown and sold liberally until The Great Depression. But because of the railroad and local cotton gin, cotton also carried Grapevine through the tough times. Dairy and cantaloupes were other staples for Grapevine pre-WWII.
Grapevine remained relatively quiet and simple into the 20th Century. Grapevine High School was established in 1906 (one of the oldest in Texas); a bustling downtown was formed; and annual events became traditions.
One disruption in Grapevine, now part of its lore, had to do with the infamous Bonnie & Clyde. Their gang was rampant in DFW during the height of the Depression. The story goes, they killed two state troopers in order to evade arrest after robbing Grapevine Home Bank. That same year, their streak of terror would come to a fantastic end.
After WWII and into the mid-20th century, Grapevine would continue being a simple, modest town. Population increases of about 1,000 per decade would be the norm... until a small project dubbed "DFW Regional Airport" was signed off on and carried out in the early 1970's. In 2021, DFW airport has 5 terminals, almost 170 gates, and about 72-million passengers in and out per year. We have the farmers and ranchers of Grapevine to thank for that.
Today, Grapevine is a commercial and residential haven; never scared to bring in another company or another family under its wing. It is the quintessential "hometown" coupled with a robust business climate; a rarity to pull off. People of Grapevine enjoy arguably the best proximity in DFW as well as award-winning schools and top notch recreation. (Not to mention finding any excuse for a festival or parade!) Grapevine has been a leader in this region since the beginning, and will continue to be one well into the NEXT century.
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