Denton
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Come visit Denton's historic square
Denton, the county seat of Denton County, is on Interstate Highway 35 where it forks to become 35E to Dallas and 35W to Fort Worth near the center of the county. Less than forty miles north of the cities, Denton has become closely associated with the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. The city was not an early settlement. It was founded in 1857 in order to become the county seat, because residents wanted one located near the center of the county. Hiram Cisco, William Woodruff, and William Loving donated 100 acres as the site for the town, which, like the county, was named in honor of John B. Denton. A commission composed of Otis G. Welch, sometimes known as the "Father of Denton," county surveyor Charles C. Lacy, and Joseph A. Carroll laid out the city. Although it was established in 1857 and a courthouse was built on the north side of the square, Denton was not incorporated until 1866. The charter provided for election of a mayor and five aldermen. J. B. Sawyer was elected the first mayor.
Adapted from the official Handbook of Texas, a state encyclopedia developed by the Texas State Historical Association (TSHA). It is an authoritative source of trusted historical records.
Denton at a Glance
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Denton is part of or belongs to the following places.
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Date of Origin
1857 165 years agoCurrently Exists
Yes
Place type
Denton is classified as a Town
Associated Names
- (Pinckneyville)
Locations
-
- Latitude
- 33.20519790
- Longitude
- -97.14575900
External Websites
- Denton County Official Website
Has Post Office
Yes
Is Incorporated
Yes
Photos of Denton and surrounding areas
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Come visit Denton's historic square
Photo of the northwest corner of Denton's historic square. Photo by Monica Bourgeau on Unsplash.

Denton County, Texas
The Denton County Courts Building in Denton County, Texas. Photograph by Mick Watson.

City of Denton, Texas
Welcome Sign, City of Denton, Texas. Photograph by Hu Nhu.

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Denton by the Numbers
Population Counts
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Population Counts
Denton
Pop. | Year | Source |
---|---|---|
139,869 | 2020 | United States Census Bureau |
140,975 | 2019 | Texas Demographic Center |
113,383 | 2010 | United States Census Bureau |
80,537 | 2000 | United States Census Bureau |
66,270 | 1990 | United States Census Bureau |
48,063 | 1980 | United States Census Bureau |
39,874 | 1970 | United States Census Bureau |
26,844 | 1960 | United States Census Bureau |
21,372 | 1950 | United States Census Bureau |
11,192 | 1940 | United States Census Bureau |
9,587 | 1930 | United States Census Bureau |
7,626 | 1920 | United States Census Bureau |
4,732 | 1910 | United States Census Bureau |
4,187 | 1900 | United States Census Bureau |
2,558 | 1890 | United States Census Bureau |
1,194 | 1880 | United States Census Bureau |