Digital Repository

Sarah Horton Cockrell

Sarah Horton Cockrell played a pivotal role in Dallas's early economic development. In 1872, she raised funds to open the first iron bridge over the Trinity River, thereby connecting Dallas to major roads south and west. By the time of her death in 1892, she owned almost a fourth of the city's downtown. She is now remembered as "Dallas's first capitalist."

Image: Portrait of Sarah Horton Cockrell. DeGolyer Library, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, Cockrell Family Papers, A2002.2335

Audio: Houston Public Media

Portrait of Sarah Horton Cockrell