Discover priceless finds at the Hall of State.
The richest Texas building is not a mansion or the U.S. Mint. It’s the Hall of State at Fair Park, richer in Texas artifacts, history and culture than almost any other Lone Star locale.
So full of Texas spirit is the Hall of State that it was considered the pre-eminent structure of Fair Park. Indeed, it was originally erected as the showpiece of the 1936 Texas Centennial celebration at a then eye-batting cost of $1.25 million. The building has hosted kings, queens and presidents over the years.
Keeper of moments that define Texas.
Since 1938, upon invitation from the City of Dallas, the Hall of State has been the headquarters for the Dallas Historical Society. “More than 3 million Texana historical documents and objects are enshrined within these walls,” says Michael Duty, Executive Director of the DHS. “Most are things not normally seen. For instance, we have the 1836 account of the Battle of San Jacinto that General Sam Houston dictated to his personal secretary as he was severely injured. That was the battle that created the Republic of Texas, defeating Mexican General and dictator Santa Anna. The battle flag captured from Santa Anna is also at the Hall of State.”
Among other rare holdings: the minutes of the 1836 Texas Constitutional Convention; a map of Dallas from city founder Sarah Cockrell; the blueprints of the Fair Park buildings; and General Order #13, the only known copy of the edict that was read on June 19, 1865 in Texas which announced that the Civil War had ended and that the Emancipation Proclamation to free slaves was now Law (2½ years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, possibly delayed because of a messenger who was murdered en route to Texas with the news).
Beyond what is physically stored in the Hall of State’s archives—and utilized by researchers by appointment only—a vast cache of historical items is kept in an offsite warehouse. “These are mainly personal collections donated to us over the years,” explains Mr. Duty. “There are household items from the 1800s to the 1950s, everything from branding irons and department store display cases to an original Dr Pepper soda fountain. One of our jobs is to determine what we should be collecting right now for future generations.”
Texas triumphs at every turn.
The Hall of State is also famous for remarkable murals in every room, most notably the 30’ x 80’ masterpiece in the Great Hall for the 1936 Centennial. It depicted how Texans of the time viewed the state’s past and visualized its future. Upon entering the building, six statues (Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston, Mirabeau B. Lamar, James Walker Fannin, Jr., Thomas J. Rusk and William B. Travis) highlight the Hall of Texas Heroes, beckoning visitors to remember their heritage. “This summer,” says Mr. Duty, “we will ask visitor to choose more heroes from among
18 possibilities.”
Another gallery is always devoted to the Fashion and Costumes collection. Only a fraction of 10,000 garments are actually displayed, but they are good ones: early pioneer seersucker dresses to Dallas Mayor Laura Miller’s designer gown for a recent gala.
Every inch a Texas landmark.
Perhaps most awe-inspiring about the Hall of State is the Texas character of the building itself, designed by a group of architects including Donald Barthelme. It is surfaced with Texas limestone, including panels embedded with native fossils. The imposing cast bronze Tejas Warrior statue by Allie Tennant evokes our state’s indomitable spirit, against a field of inlaid azure mosaic tile representing its blue skies. The heavy bronze double doors of the portico are crafted with ornamental symbols of Texas industry and agriculture including the cotton boll, cattle and oil rigs. Many inside wall panels are made from East Texas sweet gum wood; some rooms have hand-hewn beams and adobe walls with cattle brands of Texas in relief.
Dallas’ best-kept secret stands ready to reveal itself to many more visitors. “In Texas we have a stronger state identity than others, and a lot of pride, since Texas was once a separate country,” notes Michael Duty. Come experience that spirit in its full glory at the Hall of State at Fair Park.
For more information and virtual tour, visit www.dallashistory.org.
