The town of Burleson was founded in 1881. According to "Burleson - The First Hundred Years", the land for the town was purchased by Mr. G. M. Dodge from Reverend H. C. Renfro. An early abstract records Mr. Dodge as being from Pottowattamie County, Iowa. The town was named for Dr. Rufus C. Burleson, President of Baylor University at Waco.

The official incorporation as a Town came in 1912. Burleson was made a "City" in 1938, and adopted a Home Rule Charter as a council-manager government in 1969.

Through the years Burleson has grown to a population of over 30,300. The city has become a commercial hub of Johnson County and one of the most livable communities in the Dallas/ Fort Worth metroplex. The heritage of the community is strong and is kept alive through the Burleson Heritage Foundation.

Influence of the Railroads

It is likely that the location of the Town of Burleson was encouraged by an abundant water supply available in nearby streams, which could be used to supply the steam engine locomotives. In addition, an abundant wood supply from the crosstimbers forest area was an available fuel source needed to fire the tender boxes. The Missouri-Kansas and Texas (MKT or Katy) Railroad provided passenger services to and from Burleson and central Texas. The railroad depot, which was demolished in later years, was located in the Old Town area. With the change from steam to diesel powered locomotives and the loss of the depot, Burleson is no longer dependent upon railroad activities as a major economic resource. However, Burleson can rightly give a major share of the credit for its origination and growth to the old Katy Railroad.

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Significant Role of Farming

Burleson is located on the edge of rich blacklands to the south and west and fine sandy soil ideal for orchards and truck farming to the south. In early days, the City was located in the center of this 100 square mile farming and ranching area. It was the economic center of the agricultural industry both in providing farmers sales of farming equipment and the production of crops. As is customary with agrarian societies, families made long weekend trips by horse and carriage to Burleson to buy household goods and groceries. They came also to be entertained, to visit friends and relatives and to attend church. In addition, they came into town to meet the train for trips or receive mail-ordered goods. Businesses serving the farmers included general merchandise stores, blacksmith shops, and livery stables. Quoting the 1981 Historic Committee book "Burleson, The First One Hundred Years," "Because Burleson was a day’s drive from Fort Worth by wagon or buggy, certain enterprises were founded which made the town unique for its size." The town boasted its own Post Office, grain elevator, flour mill, town newspaper, two cotton gins and a water works which was organized around a single windmill at the site of the present city offices. Churches were built to serve Burleson citizens as well as a large farming oriented congregation. Banking, commercial trade, and a supportive residential area grew rapidly in the Old Town area, serving a growing community deeply rooted in the railroad and farming activities.

The City continued its growth during the 1940’s and 1950’s as an independent community located near the City of Fort Worth. Although the City has greatly enlarged its borders, Old Town remains the center of Burleson. Because of the existence of still a very active center, quality commerce, and quiet living areas, it is appropriate to plan for a concerted preservation and development effort for the Old Town area.