Ten fun facts about Grand Prairie

1. A Vibrant Suburb of Fort Worth and Dallas

Grand Prairie is a vibrant suburb of both Fort Worth and Dallas, located in an area that spans three counties. It is a bustling city with plenty of attractions, from its historic downtown to its many parks and trails. With its convenient location and easy access to both Dallas and Fort Worth, Grand Prairie is an ideal place to live, work, and play.

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2. The Story of Alexander McRae Dechman

Alexander McRae Dechman was a visionary entrepreneur who founded the town of Grand Prairie in 1863. He was so determined to see his town thrive that he made a deal with the Texas and Pacific Railroad, trading half of the acreage he had named as a township in exchange for the railroad's promise to build tracks through his town. This bold move paid off, and Grand Prairie has since become a thriving city.

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3. The Story of Grand Prairie

In 1909, the town of Dechman, Texas was officially renamed to Grand Prairie due to confusion at the Postal Service offices. The T&P Railroad, which owned half of the land in the town, had noted it as being located in the grand prairie of Texas between Dallas and Fort Worth. This change of name was necessary to avoid any further confusion at the Postal Service offices, and to accurately reflect the town's location in the grand prairie of Texas.

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4. Selena Gomez: From Texas to Hollywood

Selena Gomez, the multi-talented singer and actress, was born in Grand Prairie, Texas. She rose to fame in 2007 after appearing in the Disney Channel series Wizards of Waverly Place, and has since gone on to become one of the most successful and recognizable stars in the entertainment industry. Grand Prairie is a city located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, and is home to a variety of attractions, including the Uptown Theater, the Grand Prairie Premium Outlets, and the Lone Star Park horse racing track.

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5. Billy Miller: A Star on The Young and the Restless

Hailing from Grand Prairie, Texas, Billy Miller is an award-winning actor best known for his role on the long-running soap opera The Young and the Restless. Miller has been a part of the show since 2014 and has been the recipient of a Daytime Emmy for his work on the show, solidifying his place as one of the most talented actors in daytime television.

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6. Kerry Woods: A Major League Pitcher from Grand Prairie

Kerry Woods, a major league pitcher from Grand Prairie, Texas, is a household name in the world of baseball. He has been a part of the major leagues since 1998, and has since become one of the most successful pitchers in the game. His career highlights include a World Series championship in 2016, a Cy Young Award in 2003, and a no-hitter in 1998. He is a true hometown hero, having grown up in Grand Prairie and attended high school there.

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7. Welcome to Grand Prairie!

Grand Prairie is a bustling city located in the state, boasting a population of over 170,000 people, making it the fifteenth most populated city in the state. With its convenient location near major highways and its close proximity to Dallas and Fort Worth, Grand Prairie is a great place to live, work, and play. The city offers a variety of amenities, including a vibrant downtown area, numerous parks, and a variety of shopping and dining options. Grand Prairie is a great place to call home, and its population continues to grow each year.

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8. Artist Larry D. Alexander

Hailing from Grand Prairie, Texas, Larry D. Alexander is a renowned author and artist. His works have been featured in numerous publications, including the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Los Angeles Times. He has also been featured in several art galleries, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Whitney Museum of American Art. His artworks have been exhibited in numerous countries, including the United States, Canada, and Japan. Mr. Alexander's works have been praised for their unique style and vivid colors, and he has been recognized for his contributions to the art world.

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9. The Grand Prairie Christmas Light Display

Grand Prairie is home to one of the most spectacular Christmas light displays in the world. Spanning over two miles, the display is illuminated by an incredible three million lights. Every year, thousands of visitors flock to Grand Prairie to experience the dazzling display, which is sure to put a smile on the face of even the most Grinch-like of Scrooges.

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10. Reducing Flooding in Grand Prairie, Texas

Grand Prairie, Texas is no stranger to flooding, with Johnson Creek being the main culprit. The creek, which flows through the city, has been known to cause regular flooding, leading to extensive damage. However, recent efforts to straighten the creek's channel have been successful in reducing the amount of destruction caused by the floods.

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