The historic West End district in Dallas is famous all over the world. Its territory is 27 hectares. The area became widely talked about after Dallas became the focus of international media attention due to the injury of John Fitzgerald Kennedy. The 35th president of the United States died during a visit to the city, he was shot at as the motorcade passed through Dealey Plaza.
History of creation
There used to be a trading post on the site of the Historic West End District in Dallas, which was founded by John Neely Bryan. In 1872, a railway was built in the city center, which attracted the attention of manufacturing companies. They began to place their warehouses here, which later became a defining element in the architecture of the West End.
The locals did not expect that the area would become historic. He became widely known after the death of John F. Kennedy in Dallas. Despite this, the district's economy has faced difficulties for a long time. Many companies moved to the suburbs, and old buildings were demolished. The community was worried that the West End would be abandoned. Everything changed in 1976, when the developer Preston Carter Jr. began to revive the area in order to preserve the history.
Short description
The West End Historic District in Dallas received a new look when the old warehouses, along with other facilities, were converted into shops, cafes and restaurants. In 1978, the West End was officially added to the Register of Historic Places. In 2006, the large shopping and entertainment West End Marketplace was closed, which was later rebuilt into a residential and business complex.
According to statistics, approximately 7 million people visit the West End Historic District in Dallas every year, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions. In 1970, the John F. Kennedy Memorial was built in the West End with donations from citizens, the work was designed by one of the friends of the president's family, architect Philip Johnson. This is a square hall, which lacks a roof 9 meters high and sides 15x15 meters. Johnson created a cenotaph (an open tomb), symbolizing the free spirit of the great politician.
What can I see
In 1992, an aquarium combined with a zoo was built in one of the old warehouses. Families with young children often come here. 5 years later, the exhibition "Orinoco – secrets of the river" was opened in the adjacent warehouse building. A park has been recreated on the upper level, where birds can fly freely. On the lower level, you can look at the jellyfish, fish, and corals in the aquarium. The 12-meter tunnel, which features fish from the continental shelf, attracts a lot of attention.
In addition, when visiting the Historic West End District in Dallas, you can go to the Holocaust Museum, which describes history and promotes human rights to combat prejudice, and the Museum on the 6th floor, which is located in the building where, according to one of the existing versions, President Kennedy was shot.
How to get
You can get to the Historic West End district in Dallas by public transport: buses No. 1, 3 and 21 are suitable. You can also take a light railway train and follow the red, green, or blue line to the West End station. It's easy to order a taxi or take a rented car from anywhere in Texas.
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