City History
The City of Wylie was incorporated in 1887 along the rights-of-way of the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railroads. It was named for Colonel W.D. Wylie, a Santa Fe Railroad official and Civil War veteran.
By 1890, Wylie had a population of 239. And the first one-room school was built in 1890. From 1890 to 1900, population grew by 300% and other elements came to town (banking, two-story schoolhouse and gins).
In 1920, Wylie received electrical service and streetlights. Ballard Avenue was graveled in 1923.
Wylie enjoyed the self-proclaimed “onion capital of the world” title in the 30’s and 40’s. “Wide Awake Wylie” became the city’s nickname in the late 40’s and 50’s for the late night get-togethers of citizens in which businesses stayed open until midnight on some nights.
In the late 70’s, Wylie began to receive some of the D/FW growth. Specifically in the 80’s and 90’s, Wylie’s population grew significantly.
The 90’s also saw two major catastrophes. On Mother’s Day in 1993, a tornado hit Wylie. In December 1998, two fires (one on the 9th and another on the 11th) destroyed and/or damaged a dozen or so businesses. The city and citizens used this to revitalize downtown.
In the 21st Century, Wylie has become one of the fastest growing communities in Collin County, DFW Metroplex and the State of Texas. With that growth, the City has made a transition from “bedroom” community to a “balanced” community combining quality residential living with a healthy business climate.
(taken from city website - www.wylietexas.gov)
MOVING TO THE DALLAS / FORT WORTH METROPLEX?
The DFW Metroplex is one the fastest growing regions in the country, with a population of over 6 million people. Our own city, Wylie, is one of the fastest growing in the State of Texas – with a new house being built every six hours on average.
If you are considering moving into this area, please consider this advice:
- Find a church before you move. You may believe that there simply has to be a good, Independent, Fundamental Baptist Church somewhere close to where you would like to live, but it simply is not the case. I have talked to many, many Christians who made the mistake of buying a house first and then looked for a church. I assure you that it is easier to find a house than it is to find a solid church in certain parts of the Metroplex.
- If you know where you are moving, send me an email and I will recommend churches that may be close to you.
The Dallas / Fort Worth area was once the “buckle on the Bible belt,” and there are still some strong churches in the area. However, many have turned to a liberal, contemporary position. Some areas have never had a solid, Bible-believing church.
Serious Christians must have a solid church home in which to grow and serve. Please give this serious consideration as you consider moving into the DFW area.
Sincerely,
Pastor James Rasbeary
lbcwylie@earlthlink.net 
