History – Established in 1871 along the Tyler to Mineola railroad, Lindale was named for Elija Lindsey, first merchant in the area, who was the brother-in-law of Governor Richard B. Hubbard, who owned a plantation west of the city site. Lindale is due west of Steen Saline (salt wells or mines) where 3000 men were employed during the Civil War supplying salt to the Confederate Army. Lindale is just south of the Vial – Fragoso Trail (historic marker north on CR 431 at CR 452, 6 miles north of Lindale) which was a trade route blazed in 1788 from Santa Fe, NM to Nachitoches, LA. The trail later became a cattle drive trail, then a stage coach route, and finally the main Dallas to Shreveport Road prior to the construction of US 80. By 1888, the fruit growing and canning industries flourished in the area, and by 1900 Lindale was known as the “fruit and berry center” of Texas.

Today, Lindale is the home of many rose fields where a large percentage of the Tyler roses are grown and processed for shipment. The local motto of “Good County Living” is celebrated the second Saturday in October with the Chamber of Commerce’s CountryFest. In 1998, Lindale became home to the largest “tilt wall construction” building in the U.S. which is the 1.6 million square foot Target Distribution Center on Interstate 20.

Recent History of Economic Development
Lindale, Texas

January, 1985 – Lindale Area Chamber of Commerce Organized to Promote the business climate and “Good Country Living” theme of Lindale

October, 1985 – First CountryFest held sponsored by Lindale Area Chamber of Commerce (LACC)

May, 1988 – First Rodeo sponsored by LACC

December, 1989 – Permanent Sight for Rodeo Grounds Established

October, 1992 –  School Bond Passes for New High School

November, 1992 – Pat Rogers has the idea of a Lindale Economic Development Committee to coordinate the efforts of area boards and councils

March, 1993 – Formal Organization of Lindale Economic Development Committee

October, 1993 – Lindale Econonic Development Committee recommends to Chamber Board and then on to City Council the establishment of a ½ cent sales tax for economic development.

October 12, 1993 – City Council calls ½ cent sales tax election for January 15, 1994.

Oct. 12 – Jan. 15, 1994 – LACC promotes ½ sales tax passage. LACC does mail out to all Lindale residents in support.

January 15, 1994 – ½ cent sales tax passes.  City forms Lindale Economic Development Corporation (LEDC)

Early 1994 – Tom Mullins, (Tyler EDC), helps LEDC host breakfast for Tyler builders and developers to promote Lindale. As a direct result, Conaway Homes started building spec houses in The Woodlands later that year. As a result of the success of The Woodlands, Choice Homes and other developers and builders have started housing developments in the Lindale area. (The new streets of the Woodlands are curbed and guttered with sewer service at the suggestion of LEDC)

1993 – City begins annexation process for area along Highway 69 from Prairie Creek Church to I-20 with final action taken December 27, 1993. (All supported by Lindale Eco. Dev. Comm.)

1994 – Lindale and Tyler realign ETJ at I-20 and Hwy 69 and Lindale annexes south of I-20 bringing sewer service to that area west of Hwy 69. (Supported and encouraged by LEDC)

1994 & 1995 – Two new motels constructed at I-20 and Hwy 69 intersection.

October 18, 1994 – The Lindale Economic Development Corporation ( ½ cent sales tax board) begins to function.

February 16, 1995 – First grant given to King Manufacturing to relocate plant to Lindale.

April 28, 1995 – LEDC  receives grant from  Southwestern Bell to put sign on I-20 for two years to advertising places to stop at the Lindale intersection.

May 16, 1995 – First indication of a “distribution center” that was interested in the Smith County area including a Lindale location.

Later in 1995 – LEDC commits up to $1,000,000 over seven years to Dayton Hudson Corporation if Target Distribution Center is located within Lindale city limits. (Lindale becomes Target’s number one choice in Smith Co.)

December, 1995 – Target announces Lindale as their choice for the center. LEDC’s  potential commitment is reduced by TIF to $350,000 primarily to be used for overpass at Harvey Road and I-20.

April, 1998 – Cracker Barrell announces restaurant to be built in Lindale. (LEDC has been working on this.)

June, 1998 – Target Distribution Center opens.

December, 1998 – Cracker Barrell opens.

December, 1999 – Target Distribution Center employment over 1,000

2000 - Lindale and Tyler are jointly awarded Texas Economic Development Commission's top award for economic development cooperation on the Target project.

2000 - LEDC approves grant to Thermo Manufacturing for street improvement to relocate their facility to Lindale.

2001 - LEDC approves grant to Cates Cast Stone for sewer project to relocate their facility to Lindale.

2003 - LEDC approves infastructure grant to Lowe's to move water and gas transmission lines at site of new store.

2004 - Lowe's announces new store to be built in Lindale.

2004 - Trinity Mother Frances begins construction on new medical facility.

2004 - LEDC funds application for grant for streets to serve Lowe's and Trinity Mother Frances.

2004 - Walmart site plan is approved by Lindale City Council at the adjacent site to Lowe's.