Grapevine sits in northeast Tarrant County at the center of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, with small portions reaching into Dallas and Denton counties. Settled in the 1840s, the town took its name from the wild mustang grapes that grew along the creeks of the region. For most of its first century Grapevine was a small agricultural and railroad community serving the surrounding prairie. The construction of Grapevine Dam in the mid-20th century created Lake Grapevine and set the stage for the city's transformation into a residential and tourism center; the opening of Dallas Fort Worth International Airport along its western edge later anchored Grapevine at the center of one of the nation's busiest transportation corridors. Today Grapevine is a city of about 50,000 people whose identity is inseparable from the lake and its historic Main Street. Lake Grapevine is an 8,000-acre reservoir ringed by marinas, parks, and trails. Downtown, the Main Street Historic District brands itself as the Christmas Capital of Texas and draws visitors year-round to its wine-tasting rooms, artisan shops, restaurants, and the Grapevine Vintage Railroad. Grapevine Mills, a large outlet and entertainment complex, adds regional retail. The city suits families, aviation and corporate employees, and anyone who wants lakeside recreation and a walkable downtown within minutes of a major airport and the broader metroplex. A strong school district, an extensive park and trail system, and a full calendar of festivals round out Grapevine's appeal as a place where everyday suburban life and a steady stream of visitors coexist comfortably.