City of North Richland Hills

City of North Richland Hills Municipal Water Report Info
Early Settlement
Our community began when W.S. Peters agreed to bring 600 families to the area within three years as part of a land grant. Families started arriving in summer 1848. In 1849, Tarrant County was established and named for General Edward H. Tarrant. The community of Birdville (adjacent to what is now North Richland Hills' southwest boundary) became the first county seat. The area remained primarily rural farming land for over a century.

Incorporation
In 1952, Clarence Jones began subdividing his 268-acre dairy farm into a suburban development in the area now known as Cummings Drive. When annexation to Richland Hills was denied in 1953, the North Richland Hills Civic League voted to form their own city. Through election, the 268 acres of Jones Farm with 500 residents officially incorporated as North Richland Hills.

Growth
By 1957, North Richland Hills expanded to within two miles of Smithfield, which was annexed by 1960. The population grew rapidly from 8,662 residents in 1960 to 16,514 by 1970, then nearly doubled to 30,592 by 1980 and reached 45,895 by 1990. At the new millennium, approximately 56,500 people called the city home. Today, North Richland Hills stands as Tarrant County's third-largest city with approximately 70,000 residents.

Charter
North Richland Hills operates under a charter adopted in 1964, establishing a "Council-Manager" government system. The City Council consists of a mayor and seven council members elected at-large who determine goals, establish policies, and adopt the city's annual operating budget. The city manager oversees daily operations, with the council and city employees dedicated to providing quality services and making North Richland Hills the "City of Choice to Live, Work and Play."

Additional historical information is available at the NRH Public Library, 9015 Grand Ave., 817-427-6800.