First Anglo-American settler at site of present metropolis built a single cabin in 1841. By mid-1870s, Dallas had become a thriving business town and market center with cosmopolitan, urbane air unmatched anywhere on the frontier at the time. Southwest's largest banking center, leader in wholesale business, second in nation for insurance company home offices, third in the nation in terms of "million-dollar" companies, and number two in convention business. "If it doesn't sell in Dallas, it won't sell", say buyers who come to some 32 wholesale fashion and home furnishing markets each year. Citizens pursue culture with almost as much enthusiasm as business. An excellent climate where fair skies, predominantly year round, encourage outdoor activities, especially water sports.
