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Tyler Texas History and Fun Facts to Know

The roots of Tyler extend deep into the soil that sprouted Texas' independence from Mexico over 150 years ago, beginning with the Caddo Indians who settled these pineland hills centuries before Spanish and American explorers. In 1845, Texas became the 28th state in the Union; and in 1846, the Texas Legislature formed Smith County and named a five-man commission to establish a county government.

The group picked a site near the geographic center of the county and named it for U. S. President John Tyler who was a strong proponent for Texas' annexation. After building a small log courthouse on the Town Square, several businesses began to line the streets leading to incorporation in 1850 with a population of 276.

Today over 100,000 people call Tyler home. Tyler enjoys a diversified economy and is the home of two colleges, and one major university. Income producers to our economy include manufacturing firms, healthcare facilities, educational and retail centers and the agricultural industry. Tyler is also the world's largest grower of commercially produced rose bushes, and is known as the "Rose Capital of America".

Tyler is more than just a bed of roses. It's a place where an abundance of natural beauty is surpassed only by a multicultural mecca of things to see and do. Tyler offers a uniquely stress-free getaway far removed from the hustle and bustle of overpopulated cities.

  • LOCATION Tyler/Smith County is strategically positioned just 90 miles east of Dallas Ft. Worth and 90 miles west of Shreveport.

  • POPULATION 100,223 within the city of Tyler; 216,080 with Smith County.

  • ELEVATION 558 ft. above sea level.

  • AREA 47 Sq. miles in the city; 950 sq. miles in the county.

  • HISTORY Founded in 1846; named after 10th President John Tyler.

  • THE ROSE CAPITOL Tyler is the official Rose Capitol of America. One-third of all commercially-grown rose bushes in America are produced in a 50-mile radius round Tyler.

  • CHARNWOOD RESIDENTIAL HISTORIC DISTRICT This district dates back to the 1860’s. Listed on the National Register of Historical Places.

  • AZALEA RESIDENTIAL HISTORIC DISTRICT Newly registered; this district dates back to the 1830’s. Listed on the National Register of Historical Places.

  • WEATHER humid subtropical; 242 days of sunshine, 43.35 inches of rainfall annually, 65 degrees F. average year-round temperature.

  • TAXES 8.25% sales tax; no state income tax.

  • RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Tyler has over 4,880 acres for boating, fishing, swimming and playing; 9 local golf courses (rated best in the state); Tyler State Park.

  • SHOPPING Choose from an array of distinctive boutiques and antique shops, Broadway Square Mall or enjoy bargain hunting at Tyler Market Center.

  • FREE Multiple attractions are free in Tyler including Caldwell Zoo, Goodman Museum Rose Garden, Brookshires World of Wildlife and more.