Historic Downtown
Founded in 1846, Cedar Hill began as a small but determined settlement built around a generous gift of land from early settler Abraham Hart, who received his acreage through the historic 1841 Peters Colony land grant. What started as a simple gathering place quickly grew into the heart of the community.
In 1847, William C. Hart set aside land for the town square, and by 1871 the arrival of the Santa Fe Railroad helped put Cedar Hill officially on the map. For more than 150 years, the streets surrounding the square have been the center of local life—home to government, commerce, and beloved traditions like the annual fall festival, Country Day on the Hill.
Known as Old Town, Historic Downtown, or simply Downtown, this district stretches from West Belt Line Road to Highway 67 and remains the soul of Cedar Hill. Today, Historic Downtown is full of character, featuring unique restaurants, charming shops, and lively community events. Ongoing investments in infrastructure, programming, and economic development continue to keep downtown thriving—honoring its past while shaping its future.