Page 12 - CityofColleyvilleFY25AdoptedBudget

History of Colleyville

The area now known as Colleyville was rst settled in the mid-1800s, consisting of ve small communities centered
around local churches and schools. Early settlers arrived in Texas during the nearly ten years of the Independent Republic
of Texas, though none initially settled in the untamed lands between the creeks that would eventually become Colleyville.
Originally a small crossroads town situated between Fort Worth and Grapevine—home to the Dallas-Fort Worth
International Airport—Colleyville was located at the present-day intersection of East Glade Road and Bransford Road.

Before Colleyville's establishment, the area was predominantly inhabited by coyotes, wild turkeys, deer, bear, and
nomadic Native American tribes. The city's name honors Dr. Lilburn Howard Colley, who settled in the community in the
1880s. Dr. Colley, the town's only physician, was actively engaged in civic activities, making signi cant contributions to the
community's development. Following the turn of the century, the Colleyville area gained recognition for its exceptional
cantaloupes, watermelons, squash, and tomatoes, re ecting the agricultural roots of the region.

Incorporated in January 1956, Colleyville began with less than two square miles and a modest population of
approximately 250 residents. The city’s close proximity to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport spurred substantial
growth during the late 1970s and early 1980s, leading to the development of high-quality residential neighborhoods.
Today, Colleyville is home to over 25,000 residents and serves as a peaceful residential enclave for many corporate
executives, entrepreneurs, professional athletes, and their families. As the city looks to the future, it remains committed to
providing its citizens with the high-quality residential environment that Colleyville is known for, while strategically
expanding upscale retail development and preserving its unique country atmosphere.

City of Colleyville | Budget Book 2025 Page 12