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Years before the Civil War when Texas was struggling as an independent Republic, President Sam Houston was in the midst of an ambitious settlement program. Heads of families and single men from the Ohio valley and northeastern states were enticed to relocate to Texas with lucrative land offers. But Texas was still wild and wooly.
So in 1843, President Houston and other representatives of the Republic of Texas met with members of 10 American Indian nations, who shared the Texas prairies, to sign a treaty of peace and friendship at Grape Vine Springs. Finalized at nearby Birds Fort, the document — the Treaty of Birds Fort — safely opened North Texas for U.S. settlement. And within the year, the first settlers arrived on the Grape Vine Prairie.
Today, almost 50,000 people live in Grapevine, Texas, mainly because of that same frontier spirit rooted in friendship, peaceful pride and a ‘can do’ attitude. |
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There are several organizations dedicated to preserving our heritage and telling Grapevine's story of perseverance, ingenuity and foresight. Please take time to visit their Web sites below and learn all you can about the city's colorful history and the groups that make a difference in the quality of life here in Grapevine. |
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Grapevine Historical Society |
The Grapevine Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the city's historical heritage. Their Web site includes a detailed time-line of the history of the city, a touring map of the historical buildings in town and many links for genealogy buffs. Online monthly newsletters also offer interesting historical tidbits.
The organization meets the 4th Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the meeting room at the Grapevine Public LIbrary, 1201 Municipal Way. Refreshments are served and the meeting is open to the public.
Collaborating, the members also have written a must-have historical account of the city, complete with old photographs and archives — The Grapevine Area History Book. Please visit the Grapevine Library to purchase a copy of the book, or you may order it online from their Web site. A second book, entitled Grapevine's Most Unforgettable Characters that includes family essays and shared photographs, is currently in production. |
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The City of Grapevine - Historic Preservation Commission |
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In 1991, the City of Grapevine adopted a Historic Preservation Ordinance, an effort to protect the city's rich, unique architectural heritage, which also created the Historic Preservation Commission and a process for designating historic districts and landmarks. The city has two local Historic Districts, and numerous residential Historic Landmarks.
In addition, the City Council created the Grapevine Township Revitalization Program, Inc. (GTRP), a non-profit organization, to assist in preserving the architectural heritage of the original Township of the City of Grapevine. Please click through the Development Services site to learn more about historic preservation efforts in the community. |
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Grapevine Heritage Foundation |
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Committed to the preservation and faithful stewardship of Grapevine’s historic resources, the Grapevine Heritage Foundation also has its roots in the advocacy, education and community outreach. Grapevine's two annual festivals, Main Street Days and GrapeFest, support the historic preservation efforts of the Foundation.
With more than 500 members, both corporate and individual citizens, the Foundation has been able to preserve the 1940's Art Deco Palace Arts Center downtown on Main Street, which includes the Lancaster Theatre. Also, the Foundation manages the Heritage Center, a museum complex along the Cotton Belt Railroad in downtown Grapevine. The Heritage Center houses the Grapevine Vintage Railroad operations, a blacksmith shop, the Historical Museum and more...
In addition to the downtown venues, the Foundation has recently initiated plans to restore the Thomas Jefferson Nash Farmstead to reflect the life and times of early Grapevine farmers and setters. Nash Farms will offer educational programs, interpretive exhibits and historical perspectives on a disappearing part of Grapevine's agricultural heritage. Please visit their Web site to learn more about their educational programs and the family entertainment facility. |
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