Cedar Hill Museum of History

Where the past meets the present

Cedar Hill, first known as the cedar brakes, was founded around 1846 by a small group of settlers from the Peters Colony. They traveled to the Dallas area of North Texas on horseback and by ox-drawn wagon following trails beaten into existence by Indians, buffalo and explorers. They came seeking a place to build their homes, to socialize, worship and conduct business.

Attracted to the area by its lush natural beauty, the elevation and rocky slopes provided settlers a panoramic lookout and protection from intruders. The area also offered dense forests, rich Blackland soil, abundant creeks and streams, and opportunity.

Our forefathers turned this rugged territory into the thriving city it is today through hard work, ingenuity, foresight and sheer determination — a city steeped in family values, tradition and rich in history.

Visit us in our new permanent home in the Cedar Hill Library, Museum, and Signature Park complex located at 450 Pioneer Trail.

Now Showing

This long-necked Plesiosaurus is Cedar Hill’s earliest known resident, one of a group of marine reptiles that swam right here in what was, around 220 million years to about 66 million years ago, an ocean. Thanks to your help, Plessy’s remarkable story is now being told in the new museum inside the beautiful Traphene Hickman Library.

But Cedar Hill’s story doesn’t end here, and your gift can help the museum bring the next phase of our history to life, attract visitors to the community, and educate our youth about the wonders of our City in a Park. Learn how you can help.