Introduction to Grapevine, Texas

Introduction to Grapevine, Texas

Introduction

Located in Tarrant County, Grapevine, Texas is considered to be part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. According to the 2010 census, Grapevine had 46,334 residents. The city was listed as one of “America’s Best Places to Live” in the 2007 CNNMoney.com survey.

Early history

Grapevine is a town/city in Texas that is situated within the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, but it is otherwise located in the northeast of Tarrant County. Along with neighboring Flower Mound, Grapevine’s progress has changed rapidly after the construction of the Dallas-Fort Worth International airport in the 1970s.

Grapevine has improved a long way from its crude beginnings around the 19th century. Samuel Houston, the soldier and statesman who brought Texas back to the United States, was the president of the then-struggling republic. He was determined to have Texas populated (especially by whites) and thus his ambitious resettlement plans were under way. He wanted to do away with the “wild” image people had of Texas and to transform it into a welcoming place for settlers.

In October 1843, General Houston and representatives of the Texas republic went to the Grape Vine Springs to meet with 10 Indian leaders, who were settled in the prairies. Together the two parties signed a treaty of “peace, friendship and commerce” known as the Treaty of Birds Fort, that ultimately opened doors for settlement. The town slowly but steadily began to grow and develop.

The rise and fall, and rise of Grapevine

Grape Vine was named so because of the wild grapes that grew abundantly on the area. By the early 20th century, the name was made into one word, Grapevine, as the city witnessed continued growth in terms of population and commerce.

Grapevine’s population and economic condition were impaired during the two World Wars. After WWII, Grapevine regained its bearings and by the mid-20th century Grapevine underwent a massive economic turnaround from an agricultural city to a commercial and industrial hub when the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport opened in 1974. The airport’s construction brings unprecedented opportunities for residents and contributes to the astounding overall development of the city.

Grapes, wines, entertainment, history and other attractions

As Grapevine is home to the wild Muscat grapes, several wineries are operating in the city, making its home state Texas as the 5th biggest state in wine production. Despite the progress the city has achieved, Grapevine is also a place for entertainment and a relaxing, easy-going atmosphere as well as the place to brush up on knowledge of its past and heritage. Evidence of this is the city’s numerous historical buildings, landmarks, artifacts, as well as shops and restaurants, the most famous being Historic Downtown Grapevine.

In 2008 and 2010 Grapevine was recognized by CNN Money as one of America’s best small cities to live.

It sounds like the perfect place to unwind or even to live, doesn’t it? Then why not check out Grapevine for yourself and see if it really is the city of “peace, friendship and commerce” that Samuel Houston envisioned it to be all those years ago.

Grapevine was incorporated in 1936 and the city has experienced both economic and population growth since World War II. The city borders a portion of the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport which has helped the city to thrive.

Key Links

Official City Website: http://www.grapevinetexas.gov/

Government

City Council

  • Mayor William D. Tate
  • C. Shane Wilbanks
  • Sharon Spencer
  • Mike Lease
  • Darlene Freed
  • Chris Coy
  • Roy Stewart

Grapevine Fire Department

  • Steve Bass, Fire Chief – Office: (817) 410-8100

Grapevine Police Department

  • Eddie Salame, Chief of Police – Office: (817) 410-3225

Schools

  • Cannon Elementary School – (817) 251-5680
  • Silverlake Elementary School – (817) 5750
  • Dove Elementary School – (817) 251-5700
  • Timberline Elementary School – (817) 251-5770
  • Robert H Rockenbaugh Elementary School – (817) 949-4700
  • Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District – (817) 251-5750
  • Heritage Middle School – (817) 305-4790
  • Grapevine Middle School – (817) 251-5660
  • Grapevine High School – (817) 251-5210
  • Colleyville Heritage High School – (817) 305-4700

Civic Organizations and Media

Grapevine Chamber of Commerce

Civic Groups

  • Alzheimer’s Association – North Central Texas Chapter – (817) 336-4949
  • American Cancer Society – (817) 737-9990
  • American Red Cross – (214) 678-4520
  • GRACE – (817) 488-7009
  • Grapevine Fire Fighters Association – (817) 602-7008
  • Grapevine Lions Club – (817) 481-6249
  • Grapevine Rotary Club – (817) 481-1522
  • The Tracy Harrison Foundation for Melanoma Awareness – (817) 688-1356
  • Comfort Keepers Senior Counseling – (817) 329-7888
  • Grapevine Relief & Community Exchange – (817) 488-7009

Local Hospitals

  • Baylor Medical Center-Grapevine – (817) 488-7546
  • Grapevine Medical & Surgical – (817) 481-5365
  • Cook’s Children’s Pediatricians – (817) 488-7573
  • Ethicus Hospital-Grapevine – (817) 288-1300

Local Libraries

  • Grapevine Public Library – (817) 410-3400
  • Southlake Public Library – (817) 481-5718

Media

  • Television
    • Azteca America – KAZD-TV 55 – (877) 862-8396
    • Daystar TV Network – (817) 868-7776
    • Trinity Broadcasting Network – (817) 442-8210
    • KZZA TV Station – (972) 652-2990
    • KNOR – (972) 652-2900
  • Radio Stations
    • KBOC Radio – (972) 652-2900
    • KTCY-FM Spanish Radio– (214) 787-1017
    • KLTY Radio – (214) 441-9947
    • Salem Radio Network – (972) 299-5759