Keller is home to about 40,000 residents, which makes it one of the 75 biggest cities in Texas. It is located in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and is considered one of the best places to live in the Lone Star State for its community feel and business-oriented economy. Although it is a rapidly growing, predominantly suburban area, Keller began as an important agricultural center for the region.
Keller's Agricultural Roots
Keller's geography, which includes proximity to a large river and springs, set a perfect stage for its start as an agricultural hub in the 1840s. Then, there was plenty of land available to conduct large-scale farming operations, too. Keller lies on the part of the frontier lands settled by the original Peters Colony settlers. The first inhabitants to call Keller home were prominent families from Missouri who had homesteading operations near Big Bear Creek. Not long after they arrived, the settlers established the first church in Keller, which was called the Mount Gilead Baptist Church. The church, which was the first community structure, was burned to the ground during a raid. The church also housed the city's first schoolhouse. Today, a plaque stands where the building once stood to describe its history.
During the 1800s, residential and economic growth continued across Keller. The discovery of two lucrative springs in the area led to the construction of a grist mill, a cotton mill, and a blacksmith shop. Several stores were constructed near the industrial operations, too. Collectively, they formed the start of Keller's main street. The springs were eventually filled in with silt and buried until their re-discovery in the mid-1980s. Now, the springs are operational once again, and they are a vital source of water for the city. Not long after the springs were discovered, the first railway came to town. Keller was a stop on the Texas Pacific Railway, which extended between Fort Worth and Texarkana. The train track, completed in 1881, was a vital source of transportation for people and crops.
Events and Activities in Keller
Over the years, Keller has lost a number of its open spaces to development. However, it certainly has not lost its character and identity, as evidenced by the fact that it has many popular festivals and other events today. These are just a few of its notable special events.
Keller Fest
Keller Fest takes place in April each year. It is a combined celebration of the start of the spring season and springtime holidays like Easter. The festival is on the last weekend of the month in April and features an action-packed schedule of activities, family-oriented entertainment, and vendor booths. Since the event is also a celebration of the Easter holiday, an Easter egg hunt is part of the festivities.
Fort Worth Food and Wine Festival
Each year, the Fort Worth Food and Wine Festival brings attendees from near and far to sample some of the area's best cuisine and wines. The festivities take place in a "Culinary Corral" that features a beer garden and a courtyard that offers tastings of many different wines. There is also an artisan marketplace selling local homemade goods ranging from food to clothing, jewelry, and household goods. Live music provides ongoing entertainment, and vendor booths are on hand to sell food and beverage products featured at the festival.
Spring Fun Festival
The Spring Fun Festival, which takes place in the town center, is one of Keller's most popular annual events. The festival has free admission and welcomes families for a day of fun. Activities at the event including balloon animals, face painting, shopping opportunities, and as to be expected at a Texas event, plenty of food.
Fall Fun Festival
In October, the Fall Fun Festival is another popular annual event. This festival offers some of the same amenities as the spring festival, including face painting, local vendors, and food. However, it also has some fall-themed events such as a costume contest for children and pets, a trick-or-treating setup for children, and other Halloween-themed activities.
Although Keller's open spaces have been progressively filled in by urban development, you can still keep some of its scenic landscapes alive in your own yard by maintaining a healthy, attractive, and colorful property that neighbors and city visitors alike will admire. To get your property in top shape, don't hesitate to call Lawn Love, your local lawn care experts, for professional lawn maintenance services.
