Belmont, Dallas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Belmont
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Neighborhood
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Country | United States of America |
State | Texas |
County | Dallas County |
City | Dallas |
Time zone | UTC-6:00 (CST) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-5:00 (CDT) |
Belmont is a cool neighborhood in East Dallas, Texas. It was started by a Dallas leader named Colonel Henry Exall. On May 1, 1890, Mr. Exall showed his plan for Belmont to the City of Dallas. Belmont was made up of two big pieces of land. One was about 160 acres (65 ha)s and the other was 10 acres (4.0 ha)s.
This neighborhood is located near Lower Greenville. Its borders are Greenville Avenue to the west and Skillman Avenue to the east. To the north, it's bordered by the middle of Llano Avenue. To the south, it's bordered by the middle of Prospect Avenue (in the 5700 and 5800 blocks). Then the border turns south along the middle of Delmar Avenue to the middle of Oram Avenue, and continues east along Oram to Skillman.
Contents
A Look Back: Belmont's Early Days
Colonel Exall had big dreams for Belmont. He wanted it to be the prettiest place to live in Dallas. His plans included wide sidewalks, about 5-foot-wide (1.5 m), and special streets called Macadamized streets. He also planned for lots that were built on different levels, like terraces.
To make sure homes were nice, there were rules. Any new house had to cost at least $2,000 to build back then. This was a lot of money! Utilities and a special water well were also planned for every lot.
However, a tough economic time hit the country in 1893. Because of this, the land in Belmont was sold. On May 1, 1894, a famous person named Adolphus Busch bought the remaining lots for $20,000. Mr. Busch had actually helped Exall buy the land in the first place.
The lots stayed empty for over 17 years. They became covered with native trees, sunflowers, and weeds. But then, on June 23, 1911, Mr. Busch's son, August Anheuser Busch, sold most of the original lots in Belmont to a group called the Belmont Land Company.
This company was started by Ben T. Seay, Rhodes S. Baker, and Jeff D. Robinson. They launched a big and creative advertising plan. This plan helped put Belmont back on the map!
Homes and Buildings: Belmont's Architecture
Belmont is known for its charming mix of old and new homes. While some of the original two-story houses and smaller bungalows are still there, the neighborhood has kept its unique look.
You can find homes built in styles like Craftsman, Prairie, Colonial Revival, and Tudors. These are all popular styles from the early 1900s. Along with its old, tall trees and relaxed feel, Belmont truly feels like a special place with a lot of history.
Protecting Belmont: The Conservation District
In 2004, something important happened for Belmont. The city of Dallas created the Belmont Conservation District. This was done through a special city rule. The main goal of this district is to keep the neighborhood's unique character and look safe for the future. It helps make sure Belmont stays special!
Images for kids
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Belmont Plat Map.jpg
The original plan for Belmont, submitted in 1890.
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Allen Beard and Robert Ray Survey.png
A map showing the land surveys that made up Belmont.
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The Tradesman 1911 Belmont Land Co is recorded as incorporated. High Rez.jpg
A newspaper clipping about the Belmont Land Company starting in 1911.
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1917 Dozens of 2-Storey Homes.jpg
An old photo showing many two-story homes in Belmont from 1917.
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Where is your home Belmont Add High Rez.jpg
An old advertisement for homes in Belmont.