History of Irving, Texas in Timeline

Irving, Texas, located in Dallas County, is a diverse inner-city suburb within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. As of 2020, its population was 256,684, ranking it among the largest cities in Texas and the U.S. The city is known for its racial and ethnic diversity and is home to the Las Colinas master-planned community, as well as a portion of the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.

1903: Founding of Irving

In 1903, Irving was founded by J.O. "Otto" Schulze and Otis Brown, and named after author Washington Irving.

1909: Establishment of Kit and Lively schools

In 1909, the Irving district public school system dates to the establishment of Kit and Lively schools.

April 14, 1914: Incorporation of Irving

On April 14, 1914, Irving was incorporated, with Otis Brown serving as the first mayor.

1925: Population Count

In 1925, the population of Irving was recorded at 357 residents.

1956: Opening of the University of Dallas

In 1956, the University of Dallas in Irving opened its doors.

1964: The Chateau Theater Opened

In 1964, The Chateau Theater opened in Irving.

1965: Voting Rights Act

In November 2007, a resident of Irving filed a lawsuit against the city in federal court, saying that the voting system was not in compliance with the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

1971: Completion of Texas Stadium

In 1971, Texas Stadium was completed and became the home field of the Dallas Cowboys.

1971: Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium

In 1971, the Dallas Cowboys started playing in Irving at Texas Stadium.

1980: Highest Recorded Temperature

In 1980, the highest recorded temperature in Irving was 112 °F (44 °C).

August 2, 1985: Delta Air Lines Flight 191 crash

On August 2, 1985, Delta Air Lines Flight 191 crashed in Irving.

1985: Cowboys Headquarters in Irving

In 1985, the Dallas Cowboys established its headquarters in Irving's Valley Ranch neighborhood.

1990: Irving Population

In 1990, Irving's population reached 155,037 residents.

2000: "Texas Seven" robbery

In 2000, an Oshman's Sporting Goods store was robbed by the "Texas Seven".

2004: Pro-Alcohol Measure Fails

In 2004, a pro-alcohol measure in Irving failed with 63% of voters opposing the measure.

2006: Alcohol Measure Defeated

In 2006, 52% of Irving voters rejected a measure to allow alcohol sales.

November 2007: Lawsuit Filed Against Irving

In November 2007, Manny Benavidez filed a lawsuit against Irving, alleging the voting system violated the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

November 2008: Alcohol Sales Ban Lifted

In November 2008 elections, Irving voters narrowly approved the sale of alcoholic beverages in stores.

2008: Dallas Cowboys Final Season at Texas Stadium

In 2008, the National Football League's Dallas Cowboys played their last season in Irving at Texas Stadium.

July 15, 2009: Federal Court Ruling on Electoral System

On July 15, 2009, a federal judge ruled that Irving must create a new electoral system to allow for minority representation.

2009: Settlement of Asian Indians

As of 2009, Asian Indians, the largest Asian American ethnic group in Irving, mainly settled in proximity to high technology companies, into an area in western Irving along Texas State Highway 114.

2009: Origin of Latino Residents

In 2009, Salvadorans formed the second largest group of those born outside of the United States, comprising 11.8% of the foreign-born population.

April 11, 2010: Demolition of Texas Stadium

On April 11, 2010, Texas Stadium, the former home of the Dallas Cowboys, was demolished.

2010: Census Data

According to the 2010 census, Irving had a population of 216,290 people residing in 82,538 households.

2010: Racial makeup of the city

According to the 2010 census, the racial makeup of Irving was 53.1% White, 12.3% African American, 0.9% Native American, 14.0% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 16.2% from other races, and 3.5% from two or more races.

2010: Election of Minority Council Members

In 2010 elections, three new council members were elected, including two minority council members.

2011: Opening of the Irving Convention Center

In 2011, the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas opened.

2012: Diversity Ranking

In 2012, Irving was recognized for its racial and ethnic diversity, with one zip code being named the most diverse in the United States.

2012: Median Income

In 2012, the median income for a household in Irving was $49,303, and the median income for a family was $54,755.

2013: Census Estimates

In 2013, the United States Census Bureau provided population estimates for Irving.

2014: CFBISD Students Residing in Irving

In 2014, 3,821 of CFBISD's 26,239 students resided in Irving.

2015: Households Lacking a Car

In 2015, 4.5 percent of Irving households lacked a car.

2016: Households Lacking a Car

In 2016, 4.9 percent of Irving households lacked a car.

2016: Cowboys Leave Irving

In 2016, the Cowboys moved their headquarters from Irving.

2016: Estimated Population

In 2016, the United States Census Bureau estimated Irving had 236,607 residents, a 3.5 percent increase over 2013 estimates.

2019: Coronavirus Pandemic

During the 2019-2020 coronavirus pandemic, the city's local poultry plant reported cases.

2019: Completion of Entertainment District

In 2019, Irving completed construction of an entertainment district in Las Colinas with the opening of the Westin Irving Convention Center Hotel.

2019: Opening of North Lake Early College High School

In 2019, the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) opened North Lake Early College High School.

May 8, 2020: COVID-19 Cases at Brakebush Bros. Inc

On May 8, 2020, the city's local poultry plant run by Brakebush Bros. Inc reported 40 cases of COVID-19 among its workers during the 2019–2020 coronavirus pandemic.

2020: Census Data

According to the 2020 census, there were 256,684 people, 86,023 households, and 57,330 families residing in the city.

2020: Racial composition of Irving

By 2020, the composition of Irving was 21.03% non-Hispanic white, 12.36% Black or African American, 0.29% Native American, 22.32% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.48% some other race, 2.34% multiracial, and 41.09% Hispanic or Latino of any race.