Deep Ellum, Neighborhood in East Dallas, United States

Deep Ellum is a neighborhood east of downtown Dallas that blends residential, commercial, and light industrial spaces across a broad area. The district features vintage brick buildings, narrow streets, and a mix of established businesses alongside newer development.

Deep Ellum grew from a freedman's town settled after the abolition of slavery, joined by a stretch of Elm Street near the Houston and Texas Central and Texas and Pacific railroad junction, connected by 1873. The railroad brought jobs and made the two areas one of the largest African-American communities in the South. The Central Expressway, begun in 1947 and finished by 1949, cut the population, and freeway construction from 1968 removed most blocks. By the mid-1980s artists and musicians moved into abandoned shops and warehouses.

The neighborhood thrives as an art hub today, with colorful murals covering many walls and spaces for local artists to create and exhibit. The streets reflect the layered history of different communities that have called this area home for generations.

The neighborhood is walkable and easily reached from downtown by public transit or car. It's best to visit during daytime hours to fully experience the shops, restaurants, and art installations throughout the area.

The name is a corruption of Elm Street, the neighborhood's main thoroughfare; older forms include Deep Elm and Deep Elem. The district is also called Central Track after the rail line, and the junction of the Houston and Texas Central and Texas and Pacific tracks was completed by 1873.