Alpha, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alpha, Texas
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Location of Alpha, Texas
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Dallas |
| Elevation | 440 ft (134 m) |
| Population
(1987)
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| • Total | 50 |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
75240
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| GNIS feature ID | 2012314 |
Alpha was a small community in Dallas County, Texas, that is no longer officially listed as a separate town. It was a "freedmen's town," which means it was founded by formerly enslaved people right after the American Civil War. Alpha grew the most in the 1890s. Over time, its population got smaller, and by 1987, it was no longer considered a separate community. Today, the area where Alpha used to be is part of the big city of Dallas.
Where Was Alpha?
Alpha was located in what is now Dallas, Texas. You can find its old center where Alpha Road and Preston Road meet today.
- The road called Alpha Road, which goes east to west in north Dallas, is named after this community.
- It is just north of Interstate 635 and south of Spring Valley Road.
- Today, much of the land where Alpha once stood is covered by fancy neighborhoods and the Valley View Center shopping mall.
A Look Back at Alpha's History
Alpha started as a "freedmen's town" right after the Civil War. It was built on land that used to be part of Farmers Branch, Texas.
- Alpha was on the main road between Farmers Branch and Garland.
- In 1893, the town got its own post office.
- Two years later, in 1895, a general store opened.
- The post office closed in 1904. At that time, Alpha had 111 people living there.
- By 1933, the number of residents dropped to 50.
- This population stayed about the same until 1987, when Alpha was no longer listed as a community.
The Mount Pisgah Church
The Mount Pisgah Baptist church was an important part of Alpha's history.
- The church was built in the late 1800s.
- It was located at what is now the corner of Spring Valley Road and Preston Road.
- The building was rebuilt in 1945.
- In 1981, the church moved to a new location.
- The old church building was the last big structure left from Alpha's busiest times.
- It was rented out and became run down.
- In 2010, the property was put up for sale.
- The building was fixed up and, as of 2013, it is used by a Hispanic church group.
