Street Cars

As mentioned yesterday, streetcars played a large role in Oak Cliff's early development. The original street car line ran from downtown Dallas across the river to Lake Cliff Park which at the time was an amusement park. When driving through the neighborhood you may notice that Jefferson takes a wide curve as it goes up the hill from the river heading west. The street was designed that way because early street cars didnt have the power to go directly up the steep grades south of the Trinity. The main street car lines traveled up Jefferson, Davis and parts of 7th street.

Fast forward 80 years to today. Streetcars may be returning to Oak Cliff someday soon! The Oak Cliff Transit Authority is working dilegently to make this dream a reality. The proposed line would run from downtown up Davis street then return down Jefferson, passing only a few blocks from the 9th Street Townhomes.