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History
Dallas Origins
Named after George Mifflin Dallas, the 11th Vice President of the United States, Dallas was officially incorporated in 1863. The town served as the original County Seat for Gaston County from 1846 until 1911, during which time it was a thriving hub of government and business activity.

In a place where the reckless driving of your horse might cost you a $2 fine, the founders had great appreciation for culture, higher education and the judicial system.
End of an Era
The decision to not bring the railroad through Dallas and the eventual relocation of the County Seat to Gastonia signaled the end of an era for Dallas. The Town has remained a "bedroom community" for Gastonia and Charlotte, offering residents a short commute to big city jobs and amenities while providing a safe community to live and raise a family.

Dallas has also maintained ties to the local textile industry over the years and continues to emphasize the preservation of the area's identity and heritage.

George Mifflin Dallas
11th Vice President of U.S.

Historic Gaston County Courthouse
Dallas, NC

The Crossroads of Gaston County
Noted as the “Crossroads of Gaston County,” the small, historic Town of Dallas (named after George 
Mifflin Dallas, the eleventh vice president of the United States) is located near the county’s geographic 
center and immediately north of the Interstate 85 and US 321 interchange. 

Established as the first seat of Gaston County government in 1846, Dallas would go on to officially 
incorporate as a town on February 11, 1863. Fast-forward to 2015, and the 4670 residents of 
this postcard-like oasis of southern charm and hospitality have honored their sesquicentennial 
anniversary by completing the comprehensive restoration and enhancement of the nationally registered 
(1848) historic courthouse building and traditional downtown public square. The area still serves as the 
town’s focal point for family-oriented gatherings and events and will continue to do so long into the future. 
One of Dallas’ most accomplished and revered residents, the late Dr. William C. Friday, grew up in 
a small frame house only blocks from the square. His distinguished career in higher education was 
hallmarked by his service as the longest-tenured president (1956-1986) in the University of North 
Carolina system. The university system’s growth, prestige and status as one of the nation’s premier 
institutions were largely defined by Dr. Friday’s active presence. Today, the William C. Friday Middle 
School reflects his legacy of educational service and leadership. 

The Gaston County Museum of Art and History is located in Dallas opposite the Courthouse Square 
in the 1852-vintage former Hoffman Hotel where visitors to the preserved structure can tour two floors of 
extensive, changing exhibits on local and regional art and history, including the state’s largest collection of 
horse-drawn vehicles and the permanent Carolina’s textile exhibit. Just up the road, beyond a burgeoning 
commercial and retail center at the US 321 Interchange, lies the campus of Gaston College, where nearly a 
half-million square feet of classroom, laboratory and support buildings allow some 16,000 students annually to attend classes toward degree and certificate programs as part of the North Carolina Community College System.

Copyright © Town of Dallas, North Carolina - 2018-20