As The Dallas Morning News prepares to mark its 140th anniversary, we’re sharing 10 front pages that reflect important moments in Dallas-Fort Worth history.
The Dallas Morning News’ first edition: Oct. 1, 1885
The Dallas Morning News publishes its first edition: Oct. 1, 1885
DMN Archives
In its introduction to readers, the newspaper promises: “This first issue of the Dallas News will be eagerly read by thousands of our patrons, its appearance, enterprise, advantages and probable success criticized and discussed. Our reputation for superior advantages and facilities in obtaining inside figures, and our willingness to share these advantages with an appreciative public, has long since passed beyond the range of discussion and become a fixed fact.” Fact: The font used for the newspaper’s masthead appears to be the same one in use today. Beneath the masthead, it shows the issue to be Vol. 1, No. 1.
Bonnie and Clyde killed by police: May 24, 1934
News Roundups
Bonnie and Clyde killed by police: May 24, 1934
DMN Archives
The story of the Bonnie and Clyde crime spree in the 1930s captivated Americans and led to countless books and movies. Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were among the most famous criminals of the 20th century. Barrow was a local boy who lived in the family’s gas station in West Dallas. Fact: A historical marker commemorates the spot near Highway 114 in what is now Southlake where Bonnie and Clyde ambushed and killed two Texas Highway Patrol officers, Edward Wheeler and H.D. Murphy.
1957 tornado strikes Dallas: April 3, 1957
1957 tornado strikes Dallas: April 3, 1957
DMN Archives
The tornado, rated an F3, was the worst in Dallas’ history up to that time. During its 45-minute life span, the Dallas tornado focused its wrath on Oak Cliff and West Dallas and killed 10 people and injured 200. Almost 600 buildings, including many homes, were destroyed. Fact: Of the six stories on the front page, three were about the killer tornado. It’s a safe bet that if a tornado were to strike Dallas today, the entire front page would be filled with stories about it.
President John F. Kennedy is assassinated: Nov. 23, 1963
President John F. Kennedy is assassinated: Nov. 23, 1963
DMN Archives
This front page, by far, is the most famous front page ever of The News. All six stories are about the killing. The world was shocked. The assassination is one of the most investigated crimes in all of U.S. history. Fact: Want a mint condition copy? Copies on eBay are on sale for as much as $375.
Lee Harvey Oswald is killed by Jack Ruby: Nov. 25, 1963
Lee Harvey Oswald is killed by Jack Ruby: Nov. 25, 1963.
Jack Beers
This iconic photo was taken by The News’ photographer Jack Beers in the moment before Jack Ruby pulled the trigger. Fact: Wearing his famed hat, the late Jim Leavelle, a police detective handcuffed here to Oswald, always insisted that Oswald acted alone.
Dallas Cowboys win their first Super Bowl: Jan. 17, 1972
Dallas Cowboys win their first Super Bowl: Jan. 17, 1972
DMN Archives
The road to the Cowboys’ first Super Bowl win was frustrating to fans. In their early years, the Cowboys lost several games that would have put them in the Super Bowl. When they finally made it to the big game in 1971, they lost to the Baltimore Colts, 16-13. The next year they won their first championship, beating the Miami Dolphins 24-3. The Cowboys have played in a total of eight Super Bowls. They won five of them. (1972, 1978, 1993, 1994, 1996). But the first is always the sweetest. Fact: It’s been 29 years since their last appearance. But you knew that.
Delta Air Lines Flight 191 crash at DFW Airport: Aug. 3, 1985
Delta Air Lines Flight 191 crash at DFW Airport: Aug. 3, 1985
DMN Archives
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the horrific crash that killed 136 people. A motorist on Highway 114 was also killed. The front page for this tragedy contained four stories. Inside, there were another dozen stories plus photo essays. Fact: Investigators blamed loss of control due to a microburst-induced windshear and the decision to fly into a severe thunderstorm.
Downtown Dallas ambush: July 8, 2016 
Downtown Dallas ambush: July 8, 2016
DMN Archives
A sniper shot and killed four Dallas police officers and one DART officer in downtown Dallas during a peaceful protest supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. It was the highest number of U.S. police officers killed in a single incident since 9/11. Fact: The sniper was killed when police sent a robot to his location and detonated an explosive device.
Texas Rangers win their first World Series: Nov. 2, 2023 
Texas Rangers win their first World Series: Nov. 2, 2023
DMN Archives
When the Texas Rangers beat the Arizona Diamondbacks in five games, football-loving North Texans finally allowed themselves to become big-time baseball fans. They couldn’t help it. The 2023 Rangers were big-time winners. Fact: They were only the third team in history to lose at least 100 games and then come back two seasons later and win the World Series.
Total solar eclipse seen in North Texas: April 9, 2024
Total solar eclipse seen in North Texas: April 9, 2024
DMN Archives
We weren’t supposed to see the total solar eclipse. Weather reports promised clouds. And cloudy it was. But then, at the peak moment, the clouds parted and it grew dark and colder. Fact: The next total solar eclipse that can be seen in North Texas is in the year 2317.