Fun Facts About Mesquite, Texas

Interesting Facts About Mesquite, Texas

Located within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Mesquite, Texas, offers a mix of scenic natural views, thriving commercial areas, affordable real estate, and rapidly developing infrastructure. Its convenient location provides easy access to major highways, airports, and all the excitement of nearby cities. With a population of 145,777, it’s no surprise that Mesquite is set to become a popular destination for families, professionals, and newcomers alike. 

But Mesquite is much more than just a suburb next to a big city. It has its own unique charm, personality, and history that sets it apart. Founded in the late 1800s as a railroad and farming town, Mesquite has grown into a vibrant city while holding onto its small-town roots. 

Whether you’re drawn in by its affordability or convenient location, the people, the pride, and the rich history will make you want to stay and call Mesquite home. And if the time ever comes when you need to sell your house fast in Texas, we’re here to help.

Contact us today for a no-obligation offer and discover what makes selling in Mesquite simple, stress-free, and convenient.

Discover what makes Mesquite truly unique with these surprising facts!

1. It’s the Rodeo Capital of Texas

Mesquite has proudly held the title “Rodeo Capital of Texas” since 1993. This recognition celebrates the city’s rich cowboy heritage and the world-renowned Mesquite Championship Rodeo, one of the most prominent rodeo events in the country.

Mesquite takes rodeo to the next level with top-tier, air-conditioned facilities that can seat up to 6,000 fans (yes, those seats go fast). This isn’t just a local affair; the rodeo is broadcast nationally on ESPN and other major networks, putting Mesquite on the world stage. 

From interactive exhibits and western-theme shopping to food vendors and family-friendly activities, there’s plenty to do for every kind of fan.

2. The First Cool Mall in the Southwest 

Mesquite and the entire Southwest were ahead of their time, and it became one of the first (second only to Minnesota) fully enclosed, air-conditioned shopping malls in the United States. 

Big Town Mall opened in 1959 and quickly became the envy of cities across America. Mesquite residents could shop comfortably at popular stores like J.C. Penny and Woolworth’s, enjoying a cool retail experience long before it was common. 

Unfortunately, Big Town Mall closed in 2006, marking the end of an era. 

Today, a FedEx shipping center stands in its place, but longtime residents remember it as a beloved shopping landmark. 

3. Mesquite is a Proud Tree City USA

Newcomers may be surprised that Mesquite takes its outdoor spaces seriously, with over 70 parks available for residents and visitors. It’s no surprise that the city has been recognized as a Tree City USA every year since 1990. 

These parks are spread throughout the city, letting you take a breather wherever you are. Many parks offer recreational activities such as golf, softball, volleyball, disc golf, and swimming. For families, they’re the perfect place to sit down for a picnic or play catch on the weekends. 

4. Mesquite has always been a meeting place 

Long before highways and railroads, the area we now call Mesquite was a popular gathering spot. From the 1600s to the 1700s, Native American tribes like the Ionies (who lived near present-day Fort Worth), the Tawakonies (around modern-day Dallas), and the Caddo (right here in Mesquite) would meet in this region for an annual harvest tournament and trading fair. 

Today, Mesquite still serves as a vital connection point, only now thanks to four major highways: Interstate 20, Interstate 30, Interstate 635, and U.S. Route 80. Whether by wagon, train, or car, Mesquite has always been where people come together.

5. Their High School Mascot Is a Mosquito 

Get ready to show your school pride with Mesquite High School’s mascot, Skeeter the mosquito. That’s right, a mosquito! Mesquite’s unique and fun-loving mascot proves the city doesn’t take itself too seriously and embraces its one-of-a-kind charm.

Initially, the school mascot was the “Mesquiters,” a playful name for people from Mesquite. But let’s be honest, it’s a mouthful and didn’t catch on with students. Over time, students shortened it to “Skeeter,” a local slang term for mosquito. And just like that, Skeeter, the mascot, was born, buzzing with school spirit and proudly representing Mesquite High.

6. Mesquite’s Oldest Home Still Stands Strong 

The Lawrence House, built in 1874, is one of Mesquite’s oldest surviving homes and a rare example of Texas prairie-style architecture that can still be seen today. The Lawrence family, one of the earliest settlers in what we know as Mesquite, lived in the house for over 100 years, until 1995. 

Much of the original home remains intact and is now part of the Opal Lawrence Historical Park, giving visitors a peek into the everyday life of Mesquite’s pioneering past. It’s even listed on the National Register of Historic Places, designated as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, and recognized as a Century Family Farm. 

7. Mesquite’s Wild West Train Heist  

Get to know one of Mesquite’s most famous stories about outlaw Sam Bass. In 1878, Bass and his gang hatched a not-so-masterful plan to rob the Pacific Railroad as it passed through Mesquite (one of many train heists in his criminal career). They only managed to steal $152. The twist? A much larger payout of $30,000 was cleverly hidden in the train’s stove, completely missed by Bass and his gang!

This daring robbery sparked a manhunt that ended the Bass’s legendary showdown with the Texas Rangers. You can still find the marker in Mesquite’s Heritage Square telling this Wild West tale. 

8. Mesquite Was Named After a Creek 

You might think that Mesquite, Texas, was named after the numerous mesquite trees native to the area. After all, the Southwest is home to 70% of all mesquite trees in the U.S. 

Interestingly, the city is named after Mesquite Creek, which runs through the area and helped early settlers identify the land.  

Funny enough, Mesquite Creek was most likely named after the mesquite trees growing along its banks. So yes, the trees inspired the creek’s name, and the creek inspired the city’s name–it’s basically a full-on mesquite inception.

Closing Thoughts: Fun Facts About Mesquite, Texas

Mesquite is more than just a suburban city where people move because of its affordability (which is definitely a plus). It’s a place where families can grow and communities truly flourish together, with plenty of outdoor activities and fun stories to share. 

With a lower cost of living than many neighboring cities, a welcoming community, and a strong focus on parks, education, and cultural events, Mesquite offers the best of both worlds: big city access with an authentic hometown feel. 

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