Grand Prairie

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GRAND PRAIRIE

GRAND PRAIRIE, a geographical division of north Texas extending about 200 miles south from the Red River, two to three counties in width. The Grand Prairie, in combination with the Black Prairie, formed the Cretaceous Prairies of Texas. Deep, clay subsoil covered most of the Grand Prairie, and, along with the dense root structure of prairie grasses, posed a formidable challenge to early settlers interested in farming. The Grand Prairie's period of settlement and county organization was 1846–1858. Its luxuriant grass made it the first important cattle-grazing region of Texas, and the quality of its soil and nearness to timber made it an early prairie farming area.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Connor, Seymour V. Texas: A History. New York: Crowell, 1971.

Greer, J. K. Grand Prairie. Dallas, Tex.: Tardy, 1935.

L. W.Newton/f. h.

See alsoAgriculture ; Cattle ; Prairie .