The outlaws, businessmen and cowboys who formed Dallas out of the prairie scrub

Let’s delve into the annals of Dallas history and meet some of its dynamic founders and influential figures.

Elias “Lone Star” McDaniel

• Born: 1820
• Bio: Often dubbed the ‘First Cowboy of Dallas’, Elias established the city’s first rodeo ground, which eventually became an iconic Dallas institution. His charisma attracted settlers, cowboys, and cattle traders, laying the foundation for Dallas’s early growth.

Madeline “Maddie the Maverick” Sullivan

• Born: 1825
• Bio: A business magnate, Madeline owned numerous saloons and hotels. Despite her affluent status, rumors whispered she was the secret leader of a notorious gang, “The Dallas Drifters,” though no evidence ever surfaced.

Jedidiah “Steel Rail” Thornton

• Born: 1830
• Bio: The visionary engineer responsible for connecting Dallas to the broader Texan rail network, Jedidiah’s work transformed the city into a pivotal trading hub. However, his endeavors were often mired in controversy due to dubious land acquisitions.

Reverend Samuel “Saving Grace” Clayton

• Born: 1835
• Bio: A passionate evangelist, Reverend Clayton established Dallas’s first church and orphanage. His sermons, advocating for unity and community, played a pivotal role in bridging divides among early settlers.

Angelo “Two-Times” Ricci

• Born: 1840
• Bio: As head of the fictitious Ricci mafia family, Angelo’s influence was undeniable. From speakeasies to illicit gambling dens, he had a hand in every vice, making him a formidable figure in Dallas’s shadows.

Professor Abigail “Scholar Stone” Turner

• Born: 1842
• Bio: Founder of the fictional Dallas Prairie University, Professor Turner was committed to making education accessible for all. Despite facing resistance, she established the first co-ed college in the region.

Hank “Golden Glove” Jennings

• Born: 1845
• Bio: Dallas’s first baseball sensation, Hank played for the fictitious team, “Dallas Desperados.” His talent drew crowds from miles, bringing entertainment and unity to the early city.

Clarissa “Silk Street” Barnes

• Born: 1838
• Bio: A sophisticated entrepreneur, Clarissa introduced luxury goods and fashion to Dallas. She established “Silk Street,” a strip dedicated to high-end boutiques, attracting merchants and clientele from all over Texas.

Jeremiah “Land Baron” Fitzgerald

• Born: 1828
• Bio: Owning vast swaths of Dallas land, Jeremiah’s real estate endeavors helped shape the city’s layout. However, his ruthless tactics and disputes with rival landowners made him a contentious figure.

Lilith “Shadow Lady” Weaver

• Born: 1844
• Bio: A mysterious figure, Lilith was Dallas’s rumored spymaster. Operating an underground network, she provided intel to both law enforcement and the criminal world, ensuring her power and influence remained unparalleled.