Symbols of Dallas can be any items that instantly conjure images of the majestic city of D. This list includes the mythical Pegasus, the city flag, sports teams, and countless other icons that Americans have come to associate with this Texan metropolis. Read more on i-dallas.
Pegasus as a Symbol of Dallas
Residents of Dallas think of Pegasus the way New Yorkers think of the Statue of Liberty, Californians think of the Hollywood Sign, or Egyptians think of the pyramids. This mythological creature has adorned almost every corner of the city for decades—street signs, murals, and even the names of local shops and venues.
In 1934, a vivid neon figure of Pegasus was installed on the roof of the Magnolia Oil Co. headquarters. The exact reason for choosing this mythical horse remains a mystery, though locals have several theories. The most plausible is that Pegasus was selected because its image is linked to the wealth of oil. According to ancient myth, wherever this horse’s hooves touched the ground, a natural spring would well up—an auspicious sign for an oil company.
The Flag of the City of Dallas
It’s hard to find another symbol more closely associated with the city than its flag. When the Republic of Texas gained independence from Spain in 1836, the settlement along the Trinity River that would become Dallas began to emerge as the center of the state’s growth. For decades, Dallas has experienced dynamic development across economic, scientific, athletic, cultural, and other spheres.
The Dallas flag consists of red and blue fields separated by a white horizontal stripe. Centered on the flag is a white five-pointed star bearing the city seal. The colors red, white, and blue are traditional hues for many municipalities across the United States.
Sports Teams That Have Become Symbols of the City
Since sports are an integral part of local life, Dallas’s favorite teams have also become symbols of the city. Leading the pack are the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, Texas Rangers, Dallas Stars, FC Dallas, and Dallas Wings. These teams represent Dallas on the global stage.
Every team’s uniform prominently features bright blue, green, or red, often accented by a star (echoing the flag) or a large letter “D” (because Dallas is often referred to simply as D). Some teams even embellish their uniforms with sparkling accents or images of Pegasus.
Echoes of Texan Traditions in Dallas Symbolism
Dallas locals’ lives are deeply influenced by broader Texan culture—most notably traditional clothing: cowboy boots, hats, and plaid shirts. This colorful attire gives people today a distinctive and unforgettable look.
However, traditional dress is now mostly reserved for special occasions. On a typical weekday, you’re unlikely to see anyone wearing cowboy boots on the streets. But during festivals or weddings, residents happily dust off these garments—long since emblematic of Dallas—and head out to celebrate. For Ukrainians, the importance of this symbolic attire can be likened to the vyshyvanka.