People identify Dallas with its impressive skyline, vibrant arts scene and rich cultural tapestry. However, buried within the layers of this dynamic city is a significant, yet often overlooked, chapter of its history: the French influence that has shaped its identity.
From the early settlers of La Réunion to the modern-day cultural initiatives led by the Alliance Française de Dallas, the French legacy is an integral part of the narrative that defines this city.
In 1855, a group of French, Belgian and Swiss immigrants arrived in Texas with dreams of creating a utopian society. Led by Victor Considerant, a disciple of socialist philosopher Charles Fourier, these settlers founded a colony called La Réunion just west of present-day downtown. Their vision was ambitious: to establish a community rooted in equality, intellectual freedom and cooperative living.
Despite their noble aspirations, the commune faced numerous challenges, including harsh environmental conditions and internal conflicts. By 1857, La Réunion had dissolved, but the settlers’ contributions to the area were far from over. Many chose to stay in Dallas, bringing with them a wealth of skills and knowledge that would help shape the city’s future.
The impact of the La Réunion settlers on Dallas was profound, particularly in the economic realm. Their expertise in various trades such as brickmaking, agriculture and winemaking contributed to the area’s burgeoning commercial scene.
One of the first brick factories in Dallas was established by these settlers, and many of the early buildings were constructed using their craftsmanship. Furthermore, the settlers introduced modern agricultural practices, significantly enhancing local farming and viticulture. Their influence can still be seen today in Dallas’ thriving food and wine industries, which reflect the city’s diverse culinary landscape.
Beyond their economic contributions, the French settlers played a crucial role in enriching the cultural fabric of Dallas. Their arrival marked the beginning of a rich tradition of arts, education and social ideals that would shape the city’s character. The settlers emphasized the importance of education and community, laying the groundwork for some of the first schools in the region.
French cultural traditions have persisted in Dallas, seen in everything from culinary influences to the arts. The annual Bastille Day celebrations and French festivals like Francophonie Festival and Fête de la Musique highlight this enduring connection.
For example:
— Frenchman Jean Monuel created the first brewery.
— John Louckx helped create the first system of public schools.
— Julien Reverchon was an early and influential botanist in the city.
— The first piano in Dallas was brought by the French settlers.
— The first Dallas art studio was opened by François Ignace “Adolphe” Gouhenant.
One of the most recognizable landmarks in Dallas, Reunion Tower, serves as a reminder of the city’s French roots. While many admire the tower for its stunning views and modern architecture, few understand the historical significance of its name. The tower pays homage to the utopian dream of La Réunion, symbolizing the connection between Dallas’ past and present. This landmark not only stands as a tribute to the early settlers but also encapsulates the ideals of hope, ambition and resilience. It invites residents and visitors alike to reflect on the city’s history and the diverse cultures that have contributed to its growth.
On Saturday, the Alliance Française de Dallas will bring the often-forgotten history of La Réunion back into the spotlight with the La Réunion Symposium, following the recent publication of Considérant’s The Road to Texas, translated by Paola Tettamanzi Buckley and published by Deep Vellum. This book, which chronicles the journey of European settlers to Texas, offers fresh insights into the motivations and experiences of those who joined La Réunion.
As we celebrate Dallas’ dynamic identity, let us honor the contributions of its French settlers and recognize their role in shaping the city we know today. By embracing our diverse history, we not only enrich our understanding of the past but also pave the way for a more inclusive and vibrant future.
Emeline Colson is executive director of Alliance Francaise de Dallas.
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Five men were arrested this month in connection to a $1 million cargo theft operation where tires, rims, more than $32,000, appliances and other merchandise was recovered, Dallas police said.
The five men, who were arrested Nov. 1, are accused of taking part in at least 10 cargo thefts across the Dallas-Fort Worth area that date back to 2022, Dallas police said in a news release this week.
Officers discovered the theft ring after being alerted Nov. 1 of a stolen trailer being pulled by a semi-truck into a repair shop in the 5200 block of University Hills Boulevard, police said.
Officers confirmed the trailer was the one reported stolen by the Benbrook Police Department, then detained the semi-truck driver and two other suspects, police said.
While speaking with the suspects, it was determined that the repair shop owner and manager, who were both there, were also involved in the theft operation, police said.
Further investigation revealed that the repair shop was being used to store stolen cargo, police said. Under a search warrant, police said they seized $32,553 and recovered approximately $1 million in stolen items, including:
Dallas police recovered tires, rims, $32,000, appliances, motor oil and other merchandise during a cargo theft operation bust, where five men were arrested at a repair shop in the 5200 block of University Hills Boulevard on November 1, 2025.
Dallas Police Department / Dallas Police Department
The five men arrested all face felony charges, according to police.
Johnny Veail, 39, faces an unauthorized use of a motor vehicle charge.
Abdullah Majeed, 39, Mohammad Husainy, 37, and Anthony Walker, 54, all face a theft of property greater than or equal to $300,000 charge.
Justin Kenney, 37, faces a theft of property greater than or equal to $300,000 and a Benbrook Police Department warrant hold for theft of property less than $150,000.
DALLAS — The shorthanded Portland Trail Blazers will play without another key player Sunday night. And it involves another point guard.
Starter Jrue Holiday has been ruled out against the Dallas Mavericks with right calf soreness, leaving the Blazers (6-6) without its top three point guards heading into the final game of a five-game trip.
Holiday was not listed on the team’s initial injury report, but the 6-foot-4 veteran awoke Sunday morning with a balky calf and the Blazers labeled him questionable Sunday afternoon. He tested it out during a pregame warmup at American Airlines Center and was later ruled out.
Multiple Blazers players were unaware of Holiday’s injury until about an hour and 15 minutes before tipoff, when news started spreading through the locker room that he would be sidelined.
Portland interim coach Tiago Splitter, who held a pregame interview with reporters before learning that Holiday had been ruled out, said he likely would start Jerami Grant in Holiday’s place. That would leave the Blazers without a true point guard in the lineup, forcing Deni Avdija and Shaedon Sharpe to assume primary ball-handling responsibilities.
Holiday, who is averaging 16.7 points, 8.3 assists, 5.3 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game, leads the Blazers in assists this season.
The Blazers are already playing without a pair of point guards — Scoot Henderson and Blake Wesley — who have played a combined six games this season. Henderson has been sidelined all season with a left hamstring injury, and Wesley has missed the last six games with a fracture in his right foot.
Holiday’s injury was harsh pregame news for a team that has stumbled to losses in four of its last six games, including three of four on its early-November trip to Miami, Orlando, New Orleans and Houston. The Blazers are coming off their most lopsided defeat of the season, a 140-116 loss at Houston on Friday night that prompted a players-only meeting afterward.
“Next man up is part of the NBA,” Splitter said, when asked about Holiday’s injury. “Everybody has got to be ready.”
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Dallas Trinity FC snapped its four-game losing streak with a 2-0 win on the road against Spokane Zephyr FC.
Prosper’s teenage phenom Sealey Strawn opened the scoring in the 29th minute, heading home Samar Guidry’s cross from the right wing.
Spokane had more of the possession (56.5%) and outshot Dallas 17 to eight. Despite that, Trinity made the most of its opportunities and converted both of its shots on target while goalkeeper Rylee Foster kept a clean sheet on the other end.
“We knew that they were going to put some pressure on us, so we were going to have to be really focused” head coach and general manager Chris Petrucelli said. “We’ve had some self-inflicted wounds here in the past few games. The whole thing was about just trying to stay focused and not give up a goal or make a mistake that leads to a goal.”
Rhea Moore became the second teenage goalscorer on the night with a score in second half stoppage time to seal the game for Dallas. Moore received a pass from Tamara Bolt just outside the box and dribbled into it, opening space to shoot and drilling a right footed shot into the near post from just beyond the penalty spot.
Trinity snapped out of a long funk with the win, picking up their first points since Sept. 20 and their first victory since Sept. 6. Things were especially dire for Dallas during the recent losing streak when the team was outscored 13-3.
Despite the difficult stretch, the win places Dallas just one point outside the playoffs with multiple games in hand. Trinity return to action when they host DC Power FC on Dec. 6 at the Cotton Bowl.
Find more Dallas Trinity FC coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.
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