Dealey Plaza National Historic Landmark District
If you’re looking for a place to learn about the history and culture of Dallas, you should visit Dealey Plaza National Historic Landmark District. This is the site where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963, and where many other important events took place. In this blog, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about Dealey Plaza, from its history and significance to its events and tips for visitors.
History
Dealey Plaza was built in 1935 as part of a public works project to revitalize the west end of downtown Dallas. It was named after George Bannerman Dealey, a prominent civic leader and publisher of The Dallas Morning News. The plaza consists of a grassy knoll, a pergola, a triple underpass, and several buildings, including the former Texas School Book Depository, from where Lee Harvey Oswald allegedly shot Kennedy.
Why is Dealey Plaza significant?
The most famous event that happened at Dealey Plaza was the assassination of President Kennedy on November 22, 1963. As his motorcade passed through the plaza, he was fatally wounded by gunfire from the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository. His death shocked the nation and the world and sparked many conspiracy theories about who was behind the murder. The plaza became a national historic landmark in 1993, and a museum dedicated to Kennedy’s life and legacy was opened in the former depository building in 1989.
But Dealey Plaza is not only about Kennedy’s assassination. It’s also a place where many other historical and cultural events take place. For example, in 1936, President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave a speech at the plaza to celebrate the Texas Centennial Exposition. In 1945, thousands of people gathered at the plaza to celebrate the end of World War II. In 1960, Martin Luther King Jr. spoke at the plaza during his visit to Dallas. And in 1970, anti-war protesters clashed with police at the plaza during a demonstration against the Vietnam War.
What can you learn?
Dealey Plaza is a place where you can learn a lot about the history and culture of Dallas and the U.S. If you visit the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, which tells the story of Kennedy’s assassination and its impact on American society. You can also see exhibits about the history of Dallas, the media coverage of the event, and the investigations that followed. View artifacts related to Kennedy and Oswald, such as the rifle, bullet fragments, clothing, and personal items.
You can also explore the plaza itself, which has many historical markers and plaques that explain its significance and features. See the spot where Kennedy was shot, marked by an X on the pavement. See the Zapruder film pedestal, where Abraham Zapruder stood when he captured the famous assassination footage. You can also walk along the grassy knoll, where some witnesses claimed to have seen a second shooter.
Events
Dealey Plaza is not only a place to learn about history but also a place to enjoy cultural events and activities. Throughout the year, the plaza hosts various events that celebrate the diversity and creativity of Dallas. For example, you can attend concerts, festivals, art shows, parades, and ceremonies that showcase different genres and styles of music, art, and entertainment. You can also join guided tours, lectures, workshops, and educational programs that offer more insights into the history and culture of Dealey Plaza.
Some of the most popular events that take place at Dealey Plaza are:
The JFK Remembrance Ceremony
Every year on November 22, people gather at Dealey Plaza to honor the memory of President Kennedy and pay tribute to his legacy. The ceremony included speeches by dignitaries and family members, musical performances by local artists, and a moment of silence at 12:30 p.m., the exact time when Kennedy was shot.
The Dallas St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Every year on March 17 or the closest Saturday, thousands of people dress up in green and join the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the Southwest. The parade starts at Greenville Avenue and ends at Dealey Plaza, where there is a festival with live music, food trucks, beer tents, and games.
The Dallas Pride Parade
Every year, thousands of people celebrate LGBTQ+ pride and diversity at one of the largest pride parades in Texas. The parade starts at Cedar Springs Road and ends at Dealey Plaza.
Dallas International Film Festival
This is an annual event that showcases independent films from around the world. It also hosts screenings, panels, workshops, and parties at different locations in Dallas, including Dealey Plaza.
Dallas Arts District
This area encompasses several cultural institutions and venues in downtown Dallas. It offers a variety of performances, exhibitions, festivals, and tours that cater to different tastes and interests.
Tips for visitors
If you are planning to visit Dealey Plaza, here are some tips that will help you make the most of your experience:
Are there any rules?
Yes, there are some rules that you need to follow when visiting Dealey Plaza. For example, you are not allowed to climb on or touch any of the monuments or sculptures. You are also not allowed to bring weapons or explosives to the plaza. You should respect the site as a historic landmark and behave accordingly.
When is the best time to visit?
You can visit Dealey Plaza anytime during the year, but some seasons may be more crowded or pleasant. For example, spring and fall may offer milder weather and fewer tourists than summer or winter. Avoid visiting on holidays or weekends when there may be more traffic or events.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes, Dealey Plaza is a family-friendly place that people of all ages can enjoy. However, some museums and attractions may not be suitable for young children or sensitive viewers, as they may contain graphic or disturbing images or information. You should use your discretion and judgment when deciding what to see or do with your family.
Ready for the trip?
Dealey Plaza is a must-see destination for anyone interested in American history and culture. It offers a unique opportunity to learn about one of the most tragic and influential events in the nation’s history, as well as to enjoy various events and activities that celebrate the city’s diversity and creativity. Whether a local or a visitor, you will find something inspiring at Dealey Plaza.
If you are ready to discover Dealey Plaza for yourself, then don’t wait any longer. Book your tickets online today and get ready for an unforgettable experience. You won’t regret it!
A Trip Through Dallas’s Many Treasures: From the Dallas Arboretum to Estates of Hidden Creek
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218, United States
- Get on I-30 W from Garland Rd, Highland Rd, and Ferguson Rd (7 min, 3.0 mi)
- Head northeast on Garland Rd (13 ft)
- Make a U-turn (1.0 mi)
- Turn left onto San Rafael Dr (0.2 mi)
- Turn right onto Highland Rd (1.0 mi)
- Use any lane to turn right onto Ferguson Rd (0.7 mi)
- Turn directly to merge onto I-30 W (0.2 mi)
- Continue on I-30 W to Stemmons Service Rd. Take exit 46A from I-30 W (7 min, 5.3 mi)
- Merge onto I-30 W (4.5 mi)
- Use the right two lanes to take exit 46A for I-35E N (0.7 mi)
- Use the right lane to keep right at the fork and continue toward Stemmons Service Rd (427 ft)
- Keep right, follow signs for Reunion Blvd/Commerce St, and merge onto Stemmons Service Rd (499 ft)
- Continue on Stemmons Service Rd. Drive to S Houston St (2 min, 0.9 mi)
- Merge onto Stemmons Service Rd (0.5 mi)
- Use the left two lanes to take the ramp onto Commerce St (0.4 mi)
- Turn left onto S Houston St (157 ft)
Dealey Plaza
Dallas, TX 75202, United States
- Head north on S Houston St toward Main St (0.1 mi)
- Make a U-turn (171 ft)
- Turn right (Destination will be on the right, 89 ft)
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
411 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75202, United States
- Head west toward N Houston St (144 ft)
- Turn right toward N Houston St (269 ft)
- Turn right toward N Houston St (269 ft)
- Turn left onto N Houston St (0.2 mi)
- Turn right onto McKinney Ave (0.1 mi)
- Turn right onto Laws St. (Destination will be on the left, 0.1 mi.)
The Dallas World Aquarium
1801 N Griffin St, Dallas, TX 75202, United States
- Head southeast on Laws St toward Hord St (210 ft)
- Turn left onto Hord St (236 ft)
- Turn left at the 1st cross street onto N Griffin St (0.1 mi)
- Turn right onto McKinney Ave/Woodall Rodgers Fwy. (Continue to follow McKinney Ave, 0.1 mi)
- Continue onto Woodall Rodgers Fwy (0.1 mi)
- Continue straight to stay on Woodall Rodgers Fwy (0.1 mi)
- Turn right onto N Harwood St (Destination will be on the right, 0.1 mi.)
Dallas Museum of Art
1717 N Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75201, United States
- Head southeast on N Harwood St toward Flora St (7 ft)
- Turn left onto Flora St. (Destination will be on the left, 0.2 mi.)
Dallas Symphony Orchestra at Meyerson Symphony Center
2301 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201, United States
- Head southwest on Flora St toward Crockett St (279 ft)
- Turn right onto N Pearl St (0.2 mi)
- Turn left onto Woodall Rodgers Fwy (Destination will be on the left, 0.1 mi)
Klyde Warren Park
2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy, Dallas, TX 75201, United States
- Head southwest on Woodall Rodgers Fwy toward North St. Paul Street (0.3 mi)
- Continue onto Broom St (0.1 mi)
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
2201 N Field St, Dallas, TX 75201, United States
- Head southwest on Broom St toward N Griffin St (0.1 mi)
- Use any lane to turn right onto N Lamar St (0.3 mi)
- Continue onto Continental Ave (374 ft)
- Turn left onto N Stemmons Fwy/N Stemmons Service Rd W (0.3 mi)
- Keep left, follow signs for I-35E S, and merge onto I-35E (5.3 mi)
- Keep left at the fork to continue on I-35E S, follow signs for Waco (14.4 mi)
- Take exit 408 toward S Industrial Blvd/S Interstate 35 E S (0.2 mi)
- Continue onto S Industrial Blvd/S Interstate 35 E S (0.2 mi)
- Turn left onto US-77 (453 ft)
- Use any lane to turn right to stay on US-77 (2.7 mi).
- Turn left onto Butcher Rd (1.6 mi)
- Turn left onto Stonebriar Dr. Destination will be on the left (446 ft)
Waxahachie Stop
Waxahachie, TX 75165, USA
- Head southwest on Stonebriar Dr toward Butcher Rd (446 ft)
- Turn right onto Butcher Rd (1.6 mi)
- Turn right onto US-77 N (2.9 mi)
- Use the left lane to take the ramp onto I-35E N (0.2 mi)
- Merge onto I-35E N (13.9 mi)
- Keep at the fork to stay on I-35E N (4.3 mi)
- Use the right lane to keep right at the fork, stay on I-35E N, and follow signs for I-30 E/Texarkana (0.4 mi)
- Use the right two roads to take exit 427D to merge onto I-30 E (4.4 mi)
- Take exit 49B for Dolphin Rd (0.3 mi)
- Turn right onto Dolphin Rd (0.9 mi)
- Continue onto Elsie Faye Heggins St (0.6 mi)
- Turn right onto Junction St (305 ft)
- Turn right (144 ft)
Estates of Hidden Creek
Hidden Creek 3 Estates, 2201 N Field St, Dallas, TX 75201, United States