The History of Bedford

Bedford is one of those small towns that nearly died, somehow survived and became one of the thriving children of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. With a higher per capita land value than either Dallas or Fort Worth, Bedford does not have slums, nor does it have extremely wealthy neighborhoods. However, the average family earns almost $80k a year, so funding for all city services is extremely high.

The history of a town that did almost absolutely nothing to put itself on the map until almost 100 years after it was settled.

Timeline of Bedford's History

1850's - First known U.S. settlers in the Bedford area begin arriving.
1862 - The first school in the settlement, a log building, was built.
1870 - Weldon Wiles Bobo migrates from Bedford County, Tennessee in 1870, and establishes a store.
1871 - Earliest legible tombstone. Elizabeth White Bobo (1866-1871).
1877 - A post office is opened in W. W. Bobo's home, by which time the community has acquired the name of Bedford.
1882 - Population passes 1,000. This surpasses in population all other communities in Tarrant County except Fort Worth.
1903 - The Rock Island Railway bypasses Bedford, causing a loss of industry and commercial interest.
1905 - A new highway (I-30) was built between Fort Worth and Dallas through Arlington and Grand Prairie. Population in Bedford begins to plummet.
31 December
1909 - Bedford's Post Office closes down. Only one store remains in the entire town. Population is now about 50.
1912 - Construction began on the two-story Bedford Elementary School, which was located on the site of a previous College, which burned down in 1893. Ironically, this same school burned down almost exactly 100 years later in 1993. Today, the restored Old Bedford School, the only educational structure in northeast Tarrant County listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
1930's - Bedford now has 4 stores.
1940's - Population at a meager 76 gets the first big boom thanks toWorld War II.
1949 - Bedford Boys Ranch, originally a home for boys, was established. (in present day it is a social center and recreational park, and also the site of the July 4th Fireworks every year.
1953 - The town of Bedford is incorporated, boasting a population of 475 within a two-square mile area, including residents of the Boys Ranch.
1955 - The city's first fire department is established with 30 volunteers.
1959 - A new fire hall/city hall building is opened.
1960 - The population has grown to 2,700 within an area of ten square miles.
1964 - First library built in a small home near the fire hall/city building.
1965 - First Police department created with one police officer.
1966 - Library moved to a larger house on Forest Ridge Drive.
1970 - Population passes 10,000 with an annual growth rate of 7.56%. Value of taxable property was $80 million.
1975 - City acquires the Bedford Boys Ranch and turns it into a park. New City Hall/Police building built on Forest Ridge. Library was moved to the bottom floor.
1980 - Population is 20,821 Annual growth rate was 7.71% and taxable property value was at $251 million.

Additions to the city included a new library, service center, animal control center, senior citizens center, community center and expanded park and recreational facilities. A downturn in the national economy impacted the community.

1990 - Population more than doubles to 45,000.

written by: TheLibra