Putting The Tech in Texas
This colorful pictorial map from 1985, titled Metroplex Technology, was created by Rockwell International to showcase the rapidly expanding technology industry in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
The map, designed with a whimsical style, features a detailed representation of the various companies, research institutions, and technological infrastructure contributing to the region’s growing reputation as a tech hub during the 1980s. Companies such as Texas Instruments, Rockwell International, General Telephone (GTE), Collins Defense Communications, and Sperry are prominently displayed, along with numerous others, reflecting the diversity of industries that called the Metroplex home.
Dallas and Fort Worth sit on opposite sides of the map, connected by roads lined with the logos and names of the businesses driving the region's technological boom. Companies such as NEC, E-Systems, LTV Aerospace, and Geophysical Service Incorporated (GSI) are featured, representing the growing influence of telecommunications, aerospace, and defense. Other notable businesses include Microelectronics and Computer Technology Corporation (MCC), Interphase Corporation, and Radio Shack’s parent company, Tandy Corporation, further cementing the area’s prominence in electronics manufacturing and research. The map also highlights the role of universities and research centers, such as the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), as essential contributors to the industry’s development through innovation and training a skilled workforce.
In the 1980s, Dallas and Fort Worth made a concerted effort to diversify their economies, transitioning from reliance on oil and agriculture to becoming key players in the burgeoning technology and defense sectors. Texas Instruments, a pioneer in semiconductor technology, played a pivotal role in this transformation, while defense contractors like Rockwell International, Collins, and LTV Aerospace capitalized on Cold War defense contracts. Telecommunications giants like General Telephone and Electronics (GTE), MCI Communications, and Northern Telecom (Nortel) rapidly expanded their presence in the region, taking advantage of its favorable business environment, which offered tax incentives, available land, and a skilled workforce.
The growth of the Dallas-Fort Worth technology sector was further fueled by local government initiatives and private investment, making it an attractive location for companies like E-Systems, GSI, and M/A-COM. The map reflects the optimism and energy of the time, capturing the vision of the Metroplex as a leading tech and defense hub not only in Texas but across the nation. Companies such as DSC Communications, Future Electronics, and the innovative Percom Data offer a glimpse into the wide array of technological advancements being developed in the area.
This 1985 Metroplex Technology map serves as a vibrant testament to Dallas-Fort Worth's transformation during the decade, illustrating how the region emerged as a powerhouse in defense, telecommunications, and electronics. The concentration of cutting-edge businesses and the presence of major academic institutions laid the groundwork for the continued growth of the area as a global technology leader.