Photo copyright © 2002 by Steven Butler. Used with permission.

In 2002, Big Tex (pictured, left), who made his debut at the 1952 State Fair of Texas, turned 50 years old.

1952 - Big Tex makes his first appearance at the State Fair, wearing size 70 boots and a 75-gallon hat. David Hoskins, pitching for the Dallas Eagles, becomes the first African-American to play in the Texas League.

1954 - 40-story Republic Bank Building, Dallas' tallest structure, is dedicated.

1955 - New Central Dallas Public Library opens at Harwood and Commerce Streets.

1956 - Dallas abandons electric streetcars, relies solely on motor buses.

1957 - Dallas-Fort Worth Turnpike, the first in Texas, opens. Dallas Civic Opera debuts with Maria Callas as guest star. Calvert Collins (Mrs. Carr P. Collins, Jr.) becomes the first woman elected to the Dallas City Council.

1959 - Southland Center, tallest structure west of the Mississippi, is dedicated.

1960 - Dallas Cowboys professional football team is formed. Population of Dallas is 679,684.