Keller’s History began in the early 1850′s
Located near Double Springs, the “Village” of Keller began with the news that the Texas Pacific Railroad would extend north of Fort Worth. Keller was settled in the early 1850′s, and received its name at the urging of a Texas Pacific Railroad official, honoring John C. Keller, a foreman on the railroad, after the site became a stop on the railroad line. By 1882, the settlement, formerly known as Athol, become present day Keller. The wooded region around Keller attracted settlers because of the close proximity to the Trinity River, a supply of plentiful game and water, and the abundance of land for cattle raising and farming.
With railroad service now available, Keller began to prosper as a trade center for the surrounding farm community. The post office was established in 1886 when the post office at Double Springs, located about 5 miles northeast of Keller, was discontinued. Paper work for this change began about two years earlier and it is possible that at the time C.C. Nance moved to Keller and was serving as postmaster there for those years. In 1886, John H. Wallace was appointed postmaster.
Keller’s water supply was originally limited to home cisterns, which caught rain water, and a public well located on Vine Street. In 1906, a new well was drilled on Main Street and remained in service until 1960. Electricity came to Keller in the early 1880′s, followed by a telephone system which was privately owned until 1966.
In the first years, the closest school to Keller stood on Bear Creek Road and Elaine Street. The building was erected by the Mount Gilead Baptist Church as a school reserving church privileges. It was a subscription school. The exact date when this was abandoned and a new building was erected at the southwest corner of Olive and Elm Streets in the town has not been verified. By 1898, property was purchased on the corner of ;Keller Parkway ;(FM 1709) and College Street. The school was moved to this new location, where the Keller Education Center now stands.
Keller had benefited not only from being situated on the Texas and Pacific Railroad – it had the advantage of U.S. Highway 377 which runs from Fort Worth to Denton. Keller was incorporated on November 16, 1955. The first elected officials were Joseph Knox, Mayor; Councilmen A.L. Pipkin, B.B. Stateham, L.D. Feaster, C.A. Anderson, Jr., and C.T. Lee; and Randall Simpson, City Secretary.
New residential development is expanding within the city in all directions. Keller today is energetic, diverse, and growing toward its bright future. This emerging city overlies an interesting and colorful past.
We’re 7th in “Top 100 Places to Live”
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MONEY magazine has named the City of Keller 7th in its top 100 “Best Places to Live” ranking of small U.S. towns. The magazine’s annual list was released Monday, July 13, on its Web site, http://money.cnn.com, with an article to be published in the magazine’s August 2009 edition.
“I am pleased that Keller is gaining national attention for the many things residents already know,” Mayor Pat McGrail said Monday. “We have big-city conveniences and amenities, but remain firmly planted in our small-town roots.”
The list ranks small towns by looking at the strength of their economies, home values, public schools, unemployment rates, crime rates and amenities that enrich the quality of life, among other attributes. For Keller, the article cites the energy industry that has bolstered the region, as well as major offices just outside the City for FedEx, Fidelity Investments and Sabre Holdings. The Keller Town Center district and abundant park amenities were also noted as assets. These factors, as well as the booming Alliance corridor and companies such as American Airlines, have helped Keller’s population triple since 1990.
Keller was the only Texas city in the Top 10, leading the five others in the Top 100: Mansfield (24th), Friendswood (32nd), Schertz (39th), Georgetown (45th) and Hewitt (46th). In 2007, Keller was ranked 50th on the MONEY magazine list.
The distinct business districts, historic Old Town Keller and the urban Keller Town Center, are just two of the City’s unique economic engines. The citywide parks and trails system, anchored by Big Bear Creek, offers recreation and mobility among the City’s recreation and aquatics center, The Keller Pointe, and multiple sports facilities. The Keller Senior Activities Center brings senior citizens together for stimulating activities, emphasizing health and fellowship. But the City isn’t resting on its past successes, evidenced by the current renovation and expansion under way at the Keller Public Library.
A diverse housing market, from luxury senior living, multi-family apartments, patio homes and houses with acreage, provides something for nearly everyone. A nationally accredited police department and professional fire department helps maintain public safety. Keller ISD is recognized for its excellence in public education. Active volunteers and civic groups contribute greatly to Keller’s supportive atmosphere, including the Keller Rotary Club, Keller Lions Club, Greater Keller Women’s Club and Keller Masonic Lodge.
MONEY’s listing merely confirms what residents and business owners already know: Keller is a fantastic place to live, work and play.
Important Links:
Visitors of Keller – http://www.cityofkeller.com/index.aspx?page=21
School Districts – http://www.kellerisd.net/Pages/default.aspx
City Departments – http://www.cityofkeller.com/index.aspx?page=27
Demographics – http://www.cityofkeller.com/index.aspx?page=810
