Carrollton’s Layered Past
Carrollton has a deeper history than many of its neighbors in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, stretching back to Peters Colony settlement in the 1840s and shaped by railroads, floods, ranchers, and pioneer families. Whether you grew up here or recently moved in, understanding where these places are and what they meant to earlier residents adds a dimension to everyday life in the city. This guide walks through the landmarks and historic sites that give Carrollton its particular character.
The Pioneer Foundation: Homestead, Cemetery, and Church
The story of Carrollton arguably begins with A.W. and Sarah Perry, who arrived in 1844 from Carrollton, Illinois, as Peters Colony settlers and claimed 640 acres in the area. Their farmhouse, built in 1857, now operates as the A.W. Perry Homestead Museum at 1509 N. Perry Rd. A 2025 restoration brought a new roof, electrical upgrades, and interior work including wallpaper, flooring, and window restoration. The museum retains Victorian-era furnishings and gaslight fixtures, and visitors can explore a cellar — a genuinely rare feature in Texas homes — as well as a barn filled with period farm tools. The Texas Historical Commission designated it a historic landmark in 1977.
Nearby, the A.W. Perry Cemetery near Perry Rd. and Belt Line Rd. holds a quiet but significant place in local memory. Mrs. Perry’s burial in 1896 established it as Carrollton’s first cemetery, and her husband deeded the land for that purpose in 1897. Of the 482 graves, the majority belong to pioneer families who settled this part of North Texas.
Among the oldest institutional landmarks in the region is the Union Baptist Church congregation, established May 11, 1846, making it the first and oldest continuing Baptist congregation in Dallas County. The first meeting was held in a pioneer cabin near the present-day Keenan Cemetery in Farmers Branch. Around 1856, the church also served as the site of the first community school in the area — a detail that underscores how intertwined civic and religious life were in early Carrollton.
The Railroads That Built the Town
Three separate railroads — the Cotton Belt, the Missouri, Kansas and Texas (known as the Katy), and the St. Louis and San Francisco (the Frisco) — all passed through Carrollton and created an unusual triple crossing at College Ave. and N. Broadway St. This intersection is not just a curiosity; it was the commercial engine that allowed the town to grow and draw outside trade. All three lines provided both freight and passenger service, and the crossing has received a Carrollton Plaque of Historic Significance. Rail service continues in Carrollton today, a thread connecting the city’s present to its foundational era. More details on this and other historical designations are available through the City.
Historic Downtown Carrollton: The Square
The Square at the center of downtown Carrollton began taking shape before 1900, when early commercial buildings clustered around what was then a spring-fed site — a fresh spring once ran through the center of where the gazebo now stands. That geographic fact alone says something about why settlers chose this location. Today, Historic Downtown Carrollton retains its early 20th-century scale and atmosphere, with brick-lined streets and historic storefronts operating alongside independent restaurants, boutiques, and creative businesses. It remains an active retail and gathering space, hosting community events throughout the year.
Carrollton Heights Historic District
In 1908, a significant flood damaged much of downtown Carrollton and prompted residents to rebuild on higher ground. The neighborhood they established became Carrollton Heights, and its Historic District today represents nearly the full arc of American domestic architecture from 1910 to 1960. Walking through the streets, you can identify Craftsman bungalows, Tudor and Colonial Revival homes, Prairie-style houses, Ranch-style construction, and post-war Mid-century Modern examples — essentially a living survey of how residential design evolved across half a century. Carrollton has twenty-five official historic sites across the city, and the City offers a downloadable self-guided tour map for those who want a structured way to explore them.
Josey Rancho and the Land Behind the Sports Complex
In the 1940s, a rancher known as Colonel C.W. Josey began purchasing acreage west of town to establish Josey Rancho, eventually accumulating roughly 1,000 acres where he raised buffalo and longhorns. The lake visible at the current Josey Ranch Sports Complex at 1440 Keller Springs Rd. is not a natural feature — it was formed by a clay quarry that supplied one of Carrollton’s two historic brick factories. Today the sports complex occupies the remainder of the ranch property and includes a Veterans Memorial, a quiet spot set apart from the athletic fields for reflection and remembrance.
Elm Fork Nature Preserve: Land Undisturbed Since 1861
The Elm Fork Nature Preserve at 2335 Sandy Lake Rd. has one of the more remarkable origin stories among Carrollton’s public lands. A local family purchased the acreage as a woodright in 1861 and never clear-cut it. In 1986, all 40 acres were given to the city as a self-contained ecosystem that had remained virtually undisturbed for over a century. The preserve includes an Interpretive Center with a nature education library — currently closed for construction, though the trails remain open every day from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year. For a city that grew rapidly during the suburban expansion of the late 20th century, this pocket of old-growth woodland is an unusual and valuable remnant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the oldest landmark in Carrollton, TX?
The Union Baptist Church congregation, established May 11, 1846, is the oldest continuing institution in Dallas County with roots in the Carrollton area. The A.W. Perry Homestead, with its 1857 farmhouse, is the oldest standing structure open for public tours.
Where can I find a map of Carrollton’s historic sites?
The City of Carrollton offers a self-guided historic tour map covering the city’s twenty-five official historic sites. It is available for download through the City’s historical designations page at cityofcarrollton.com/historical-designations.
Is the A.W. Perry Homestead Museum open to visitors?
Yes. The museum at 1509 N. Perry Rd. completed a significant restoration in 2025 and is open for visits. The site includes the farmhouse, cellar, and barn with period farm equipment.
Why does Carrollton have three railroad tracks crossing in one spot?
The Cotton Belt, Missouri Kansas and Texas (Katy), and St. Louis and San Francisco (Frisco) railroads all independently routed through Carrollton, creating a rare triple crossing at College Ave. and N. Broadway St. This intersection was central to the town’s commercial growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and has been designated a site of historic significance.
