Did You Know? | Marker 6721 – Garland, Texas

Settlement in this area began in the 1840s, when pioneers founded a small community called Duck Creek. By 1846, a single log cabin served as the town’s community center, schoolhouse, and Union Church. Early residents supported themselves with a general store, grist mill, and cotton gin, forming the foundation of what would become one of Dallas County’s most significant cities.

In 1886, progress arrived by rail. The Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe Railroad built a line just east of Duck Creek, lead*ing to the creation of a new town—Embree, named for one of the area’s first doctors. Soon after, the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad added a second line to the north. The original Duck Creek settlement declined as residents moved closer to the railroads, forming what was known as New Duck Creek.

When a U.S. Post Office was established between the two towns in 1887, it was named Garland, honoring U.S. Attorney General A. H. Garland. The nearby communities soon merged under this new name, and in 1891, citizens voted to incorporate, electing M. Davis Williams as the city’s first mayor.

Garland grew steadily through the early 20th century, weathered the Great Depression, and entered a period of rapid industrial and transportation growth after World War II. Today, Garland remains a thriving community and a vital chapter in the story of Dallas County’s development. Visit Marker 6721 in Garland, Texas.