Woodall Rodgers facts for kids
James Woodall Rodgers (born May 11, 1890 – died July 6, 1961) was an important American lawyer, businessman, and mayor of Dallas, Texas. He helped shape the city of Dallas in many ways.
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Early Life and Education
James Woodall Rodgers was born in New Market, Alabama. He went to Vanderbilt University and earned his B.A. degree in 1912. Later, he studied law at the University of Texas, getting his law degree in 1915.
Military Service
After finishing his studies, Rodgers started his law practice in Dallas in 1916. However, when World War I began, he joined the United States Army. He served as a major in the artillery. He left the army with honor in 1918. On November 9, 1920, he married Edna Cristler.
A Career in Law
When he returned to Dallas, Rodgers worked with a law firm called Saner & Saner. In 1925, he decided to start his own law firm. His firm focused on laws related to oil and gas. Over time, his firm became well-known and even helped big companies like Standard Oil with their legal issues.
Mayor of Dallas
In 1939, James Woodall Rodgers was elected mayor of Dallas. He served as mayor for eight years, until 1947. While he was mayor, many important projects happened in Dallas:
- Love Field, the city's airport, got bigger and better.
- Construction began on Central Expressway (US 75), a major highway.
- Work started on the Dallas Public Library.
- The Garza-Little Elm Reservoir began construction. This reservoir is now one of Dallas's largest sources of water.
Community Involvement
Beyond his work as mayor and a lawyer, Rodgers was very involved in the Dallas community. He was a board member for the Dallas Museum of Fine Arts (which is now the Dallas Museum of Art). He also served as a leader for the Dallas Symphony, the State Fair of Texas, and the Dallas Public Library. He even started and was the first president of the Greater Dallas Planning Council, an organization that helps plan for Dallas's future growth.
Last Years and Legacy
James Woodall Rodgers passed away in Dallas on July 6, 1961, after a long illness.
Today, a major highway in Dallas is named in his honor: the Woodall Rodgers Freeway. This freeway runs just north of downtown Dallas. There is also Woodall Rodgers Plaza, a park that connects different parts of the city and runs under the freeway. These landmarks remind people of his important contributions to Dallas.
