Settled in 1852 as a trading post. For years, Lancaster (Lank-aster) was the second largest city in Dallas County. It retains the look and feel of a small town although only...

Settled in 1852 as a trading post. For years, Lancaster (Lank-aster) was the second largest city in Dallas County. It retains the look and feel of a small town although only minutes from metropolitan Dallas. Some of the finest Victorian homes in the county are preserved here. Extensive restoration of the downtown area was accomplished in the late 1970s; then, on April 25, 1994, a tornado struck the city doing extensive damage to the downtown and residential areas.

During the War Between the States, a pistol factory here produced the huge Colt .44 Dragoon revolver that collectors call the “Tucker & Sherrod Confederate Colt.” Memorabilia of the CSA foundry and gun factory are preserved in the city library.

Located just 14 minutes from downtown Dallas, city features town square that retains look and feel of 19th-century North Texas market town that attracts visitors and newcomers alike. Home to Cedar Valley Community College and Univ. of North Texas-Dallas. Lancaster Country View Golf Course is a championship 18-hole municipal course that offers quality golf for all skill levels. Lancaster Community Park features playgrounds, recreation center and indoor swimming pool, soccer fields, tennis courts, baseball fields, walking paths and nature trails, and state-of-the-art library. Bear Creek Nature Preserve, a new addition to the park, features primitive camping, bird watching and equestrian trails.

Lancaster Chamber of Commerce: 972/227-2579. www.lancastertx.org.