Irving was founded in 1903 by J.O. “Otto” Schulze and Otis Brown. Irving began in 1889 as an area called Gorbit, and in 1894 the name changed to Kit. Irving was incorporated April 14, 1914, with Otis Brown as the first mayor.
By the late nineteenth century, the Irving area was the site of churches, two cotton gins, a blacksmith shop and a general store. The Irving public school system dates to the 1909 establishment of Kit and Lively schools. Population growth was slow and sometimes halting, with only 357 residents in 1925, but a significant increase began in the 1930s. Along with all this history came some of the most interesting and cultural locations.
The Mustangs of Las Colinas: This is a magnificent sculpture that captures and immortalizes the spirit of Texas’ heritage. The running horses are representative of the sense of free spirit prevalent throughout the state, both in past times and the present. Both sculptures are awe-inspiring and deserve a stop the next time you’re in Irving!
The Marble Cows: At the Marble Cows, a statute honoring Ben Carpenter is prominently on display. In 1973, Mr. Carpenter unveiled the master plan for transforming his family’s ranch into a development. It was fondly named El Ranchito de Las Colinas, meaning the Little Ranch of the Hills. He envisioned a world-class development emerging from the black bottom land set in a floodplain of the Trinity River and boy did he do just that. The cows are located at the top of Bluebonnet Hill and stands as a memory of the Las Colinas ranchlands that were once a predominant feature of the area. The monument features five marble cows which were designed and sculpted by artist Harold Clayton.
Ruth Paine House: This cultural stop played a key role in one of the most infamous historical events of the 20th century. Marina Oswald spent a great deal of time here and the night prior to the assassination of President John F Kennedy, Lee also stayed here to retrieve his rifle, which he had hidden in the garage. Now a state-of-the-art museum, this is one stop you cannot miss when in Irving!
Sail Away in a Gondola: while you’re relaxing and sailing through Mandalay Canal and Lake Caroline, you will feel as though you’re in Italy! Enjoy a meal, a romantic evening, or just a relaxing time as you let all your worries melt away.
Irving Archives and History: these 20,000 square foot building houses one of the most well thought out museums we have ever visited. With permanent exhibits like Frontier and Early Irving, Suburbia, and International City, the curators do an amazing job of telling Irving’s story from the early days until today.
Heritage House: one of the oldest homes in Irving, Heritage House was built in 1912 by C. P. Schulze. His brother, JO was one of the co-founders of Irving. In addition to its historic significance, the home was designated as a Texas State Historical Landmark in 1986.
Las Colinas: Most visitors to Irving aren’t even aware of the history of Las Colinas. Founded in 1973 by Ben Carpenter, Las Colinas is a 12,000-acre master-planned business and residential community in Irving, Texas, near the center of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. The property was originally the Carpenter’s Hackberry Creek Ranch, also referred to as “El Ranchito de Las Colinas,” or “the little ranch of the hills.” It is hands down one of the most unique communities you will find in the United States.
The Flower Clock: Even though the flower clock is so difficult to get a picture of because of its location, it is one of the first greetings to Las Colinas and one of the most beautiful! The working timepiece is adorned year-round with fresh blooms and greenery.
