Within an inner-ring suburb of Dallas, Texas is the city of Farmers Branch. Surrounded by over 28 parks within a 12 mile radius, the city has earned the name “The City in a Park.” The community was settled in the early 1850s to a handful of people who were given land grants to the area. The city earned its name from one of the land grant recipients of Farmers Branch to reflect the rich soil and farmland dominant in this area. The population grew slowly until the 1970s when the city endured a rapid influx of residents who commuted to Dallas for employment. Since that time, a variety of steel, concrete, asphalt, cosmetic and food companies as well as a variety of other businesses have established themselves within Farmers Branch. A number of large corporations have attained frontage along Interstate 635 and 35, as well as the Platinum Corridor of the Dallas North Tollway.
 


Along with businesses, Farmers Branch is home to advanced educational facilities like Dallas Christian College and Brookhaven College, a Dallas County Community College District member. Farmers Branch was the national spotlight when it became the first city in Texas to pass anti-illegal immigration measures, going so far as to make English the official language of the city. The measure also allows landlords to be fined for renting to illegal aliens and allows authorities to screen illegal aliens in police custody. The measure is currently under legal scrutiny.