Women Who Built Dallas

120 min walk

Women Who Built Dallas tells the stories of women who shaped the city across 150 years — often without recognition. The suffrage organizing that began in the 1880s. May Dickson Exall, who shaped Dallas society and Fair Park. Carrie Marcus Neiman, who made Dallas a fashion destination. Sarah T. Hughes, the federal judge who swore in LBJ on Air Force One. Eddie Bernice Johnson, the first Black woman elected from Dallas. Annette Strauss, the mayor who built the Arts District. Erykah Badu, whose neo-soul revolution carries Dallas music into the 21st century. Their contributions built the cultural, political, and economic foundation of modern Dallas.

Take DART

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible
Mixed terrain
Restrooms available
Shade available

Spans multiple neighborhoods. Rideshare recommended between clusters.

Arriving by rideshare or taxi?

The best drop-off point for this tour is Women's Suffrage in Dallas.

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Stops (11)

Annette Strauss — Mayor Who Built Modern DallasPersonDon't miss

Dallas's first female mayor (1987-1991) who led the city through major growth, built the Arts District, and established Dallas as an international destination.

Barbara Jordan's Dallas LegacyHistory

Though from Houston, Barbara Jordan's influence on Texas politics and civil rights opened doors for Dallas women in law and public service.

Carrie Marcus Neiman — Retail VisionaryPersonDon't miss

Co-founder of Neiman Marcus who turned Dallas into a fashion destination and built one of America's most influential luxury retailers.

Dallas Woman's Forum — Organizing for ChangeHistory

Founded in 1906, the Dallas Woman's Club became the organizing center for women's civic engagement, education advocacy, and social reform.

Eddie Bernice Johnson — Trailblazer in PoliticsPersonDon't miss

The first Black woman elected to public office from Dallas — nurse, state legislator, and 30-year congresswoman who brought federal resources to the city.

Erykah Badu — Queen of Neo-SoulPersonDon't miss

Dallas-born neo-soul pioneer who redefined R&B, influenced a generation of artists, and remains deeply connected to her South Dallas roots.

May Dickson Exall — Dallas Society PioneerPerson

Society leader, suffragist, and philanthropist who shaped Dallas culture through the Arts & Letters Club and Fair Park development.

Sarah Cockrell & the First Trinity CrossingHistory

Bryan's 1842 ferry → Cockrell's 1854 toll bridge → Sarah Horton Cockrell, Dallas's first businesswoman.

Sarah T. Hughes — The Judge Who Swore In LBJPersonDon't miss

Federal district judge who broke barriers in Texas law and administered the presidential oath to Lyndon Johnson aboard Air Force One after JFK's assassination.