Tyler | USA Texas

Landmarks in Tyler

Information

City: Tyler
Country: USA Texas
Continent: North America

Tyler, USA Texas, North America

Tyler is a city in Northeast Texas and the county seat of Smith County. Located approximately 160 km (99 miles) southeast of Dallas, it serves as the primary regional hub for the "Upper East Texas" area, specializing in healthcare, education, and retail.

Historical Timeline

Founded in 1846 and named after President John Tyler. The city’s early economy was built on agriculture and slavery; by 1860, 35% of its population was enslaved. During the Civil War, it housed the largest Confederate ordnance plant in Texas and a major prisoner-of-camp, Camp Ford. Post-war, the economy shifted to railroads and peaches. Following a peach blight in the late 1890s, farmers pivoted to roses. By the 1940s, Tyler was producing over half of the U.S. rose supply, earning the moniker "Rose Capital of America." The 1930 discovery of the East Texas Oil Field triggered a major population and economic boom that solidified its status as a regional center.

Demographics & Population

The estimated 2026 population is 112,219 (metropolitan area approx. 245,200). The city's racial composition is approximately 60% White, 23% Black or African American, and 24% Hispanic or Latino (overlapping categories). The median age is 35.5 years.

Urban Layout & Key Districts

Downtown: The historic core, featuring brick-paved streets, the Smith County Courthouse, and cultural venues like Liberty Hall.

Azalea District: A National Historic District south of downtown known for its ornate early 20th-century homes and the annual Azalea Trail.

South Broadway Corridor: The city's primary modern commercial artery, containing major retail centers (The Village at Cumberland Park) and dining.

North Overton: A redeveloped area providing high-density housing and services near the medical district and colleges.

Top City Landmarks

Tyler Municipal Rose Garden: A 14-acre park featuring over 38,000 rose bushes and 600 varieties; the largest of its kind in the U.S.

Caldwell Zoo: An 85-acre zoo featuring African, North American, and South American habitats.

Tyler State Park: Located north of the city, offering 13 miles of hiking trails and a 64-acre spring-fed lake.

Goodman-LeGrand House & Museum: An 1859 Greek Revival mansion and estate that serves as a historic museum.

Discovery Science Place: An interactive children's museum located in an old car dealership downtown.

Historic Aviation Memorial Museum: Located at Pounds Regional Airport, featuring a collection of military aircraft.

Transportation Network

Tyler Pounds Regional Airport (TYR) offers regional flights. The city is served by Loop 323 (inner) and Toll Loop 49 (outer). I-20 passes just north of the city. Intra-city transit is provided by Tyler Transit, which operates a fixed-route bus system based out of the Cotton Belt Depot Museum.

Safety & "Red Zones"

Tyler is generally considered safe for a city of its size, but localized crime exists.

Areas of Caution: Older residential sections in North Tyler and parts of the West Side report higher rates of property crime compared to the more affluent south.

Environmental Risk (Jan 2026): East Texas is currently under high wildfire potential due to an exceptionally warm and dry winter. A major winter storm is forecast for late January 2026, with significant ice accumulation (up to 1.25 cm) expected, which may cause power outages and hazardous travel.

Digital & Financial Infrastructure

Broadband coverage is high (96% computer ownership). The US Dollar (USD) is the currency. Sales tax is 8.25%. The economy is anchored by the healthcare sector (UT Health, CHRISTUS Mother Frances) and higher education (UT Tyler, Tyler Junior College).

Climate & Air Quality

Tyler has a Humid Subtropical climate (Cfa).

Temperatures: Summers are hot and oppressive (Aug avg. high 34.5°C); winters are short and wet.

Rainfall: Tyler receives 42–46 inches of rain annually, with peaks in May and October.

Air Quality: Generally high, though humidity can trap pollutants during peak summer.

Culture & Social Norms

The culture is "Old South" meets modern Texas. The Texas Rose Festival in October is the city's signature cultural event. Social norms are conservative; "Southern hospitality" is the standard in business and social interactions. Tipping (18–25%) is expected.