Garland, Texas, traces its roots to the mid-19th century, when immigrants began arriving in the Peters Colony area around 1850. While early settlers farmed and established homesteads, a formal community did not emerge until 1874. The new settlement was named Garland in honor of Augustus Hill Garland, a former U.S. Attorney General. As the area grew, the nearby towns of Embree and Duck Creek merged with Garland, uniting the communities into a single city. This consolidation paved the way for Garland’s official incorporation in 1891, marking the beginning of organized municipal governance.
The arrival of the railroad proved to be a turning point in Garland’s development, transforming it from a small agricultural settlement into a growing commercial and industrial center. Throughout the 20th century, Garland expanded rapidly, supported by manufacturing, retail growth, and its strategic location northeast of Dallas. Neighborhood development and infrastructure investment helped establish Garland as a stable and diverse city within the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex.
Today, Garland is one of Texas’ largest cities, known for its strong neighborhoods, economic diversity, and community-focused leadership. The city operates under a council-manager form of government, combining elected representation with professional administration.
As of 2025, Garland is led by Mayor [Scott LeMay], working alongside the City Council: Carissa Dutton, Deborah Morris, Dylan Hedrick, Jason DePartia, Karen Jackson, Joe Thomas, Craig Hutmacher, and Robert Selder. Day-to-day city operations are managed by City Manager [Judson Rex], who oversees municipal services and implements policies adopted by the Mayor and City Council.
From its origins as a group of small settlements to its role as a major North Texas city, Garland continues to build on its history while planning for future growth.
