10 fun and interesting Irving facts

1. Irving, Texas: A City Named After Washington Irving

In 1903, Otis Brown and J.O Schulze founded the city of Irving, Texas. The city was named after the famous author, Washington Irving, due to the ardent admiration of his works by Otis' wife, Netta Brown. Netta was so passionate about Irving's works that she convinced her husband and Schulze to name the city after him. This decision has since been celebrated by the citizens of Irving, who proudly honor the legacy of Washington Irving.

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2. Irving, Texas: A Brief History

In 1894, the city of Gorbit was renamed to Kit, and it wasn't until 1914 that it was officially incorporated as Irving. Otis Brown was the first mayor of the newly-formed city, and his leadership helped to shape the city into what it is today.

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3. The World's Largest Equestrian Sculpture

The city of Irving, Texas is home to the world's largest equestrian sculpture, located in the Las Colinas area. The Mustangs of Las Colinas, as it is known, is a stunningly detailed bronze sculpture of nine wild mustangs galloping across a 6.5 acre lake. The sculpture, created by artist Robert Glen, stands at an impressive height of 42 feet and is a popular tourist attraction in the area.

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4. The Boy Scouts of America Headquarters in Irving, Texas

The city of Irving, Texas is home to the national headquarters of the Boy Scouts of America, a youth organization that has been around since 1910. The organization has grown to include more than 2.4 million youth members and nearly 1 million adult volunteers, and its headquarters in Irving is the hub of its operations. The building, which is located on a sprawling campus, houses the organization's administrative offices, training facilities, and a museum dedicated to the history of the Boy Scouts.

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5. The Casa Manana Theatre in Irving, Texas

Irving, Texas is home to the historic Casa Manana Theatre, the country's first permanent theatre-in-the-round. This unique venue was originally equipped with the world's largest revolving stage, a feature that was replaced in 2003 with a thrust stage. The theatre has been a staple of the Irving community since its opening in 1958, providing a variety of entertainment options for locals and visitors alike.

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6. Las Colinas Flower Clock - Irving's Iconic Attraction

Irving, Texas is home to the iconic Las Colinas Flower Clock, a larger-than-life, working clock made up of vibrant, fresh flowers that bloom year-round. This impressive clock stands at an impressive 20 feet in diameter and is made up of over 10,000 colorful flowers, making it a popular tourist attraction in the city. The clock is located in the heart of the Las Colinas Urban Center, a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

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7. Discover Irving's History & Culture with Joseph Rice

Joseph Rice's 1989 book, "Irvin-A Texas Odyssey", captures the culture and history of the vibrant city of Irving, Texas. Through his detailed research and writing, Rice provides an in-depth look into the past of this city, giving readers a unique insight into the culture and history of Irving.

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8. Irving, Texas has sister cities around the world

Irving, Texas has a number of sister-cities around the world, including Espoo, Finland; Marino, Italy; Boulogne-Billancourt, France; Darkhan, Mongolia; and Leon, Mexico. These cities have established exchange programs with Irving, allowing for cultural, educational, and economic exchanges between the cities. Through these programs, Irving residents have the opportunity to experience the culture, cuisine, and customs of these cities, while citizens of the sister-cities can learn about the culture and history of Irving.

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9. Las Colinas: A Master-Planned Complex of Commerce and Residence

The city of Irving is home to one of the largest developments in America, Las Colinas. Spanning an impressive 12,000 acres, this master-planned complex is a bustling hub of commercial and residential activity, boasting over 2,000 national and international corporations. From corporate headquarters to luxury apartments, Las Colinas is a vibrant and diverse community that continues to grow and thrive.

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10. LPGA's North Texas LPGA Shootout

The North Texas area is set to host the LPGA's North Texas LPGA Shootout on April 25-28, 2013, marking the first time in 22 years that the Tour has returned to the area. Irving has been selected as the host city for this exciting event, which is sure to draw in golf fans from all over the region. With the LPGA's top players competing for the title, this is sure to be an event that no one will want to miss.