Humble Beginnings
The Peters Colony and Little Elm were chartered in 1841 as part of the Republic of Texas.
The area was inhabited mostly by Indian tribes who lived along the several creeks that traversed the area, providing abundant water for springs and associated wildlife for food. As settlers discovered, the area also had a rich source of timber which provided fuel in the harsh winters and fertile soil for crops.
Surprising Growth
Little Elm remained a quiet lakeside community until growth by surrounding communities began to have a profound affect on our sleepy town.
As growth discovered Little Elm in the late 1990’s, residents began to prepare for the flood of new residents that were learning about our beautiful lake setting that had been enjoyed so much by a small number of the local residents for decades.
Incorporation
Little Elm was incorporated in June 1966; adopted the Council/Manager form of government and its Home Rule Charter in May of 2001; and currently has approximately 9,012 acres or 14.08 square miles within its corporate limits.
SOURCE: Town of Little Elm
To just say Little Elm has grown is a major understatement. We still have the unique distinction of being recognized as one of the fastest growing communities, in percentage growth, within the entire DFW region - for the fifth consecutive year; having grown 466% since the 2000 census, when the Town registered 3,646 residents. According to the North Central Texas Council of Governments, the preliminary population estimate for January 2006 was 20,400, based in large part on the ever increasing number of housing units being built each year.
It is important that we provide a planned community that balances the needs of developers with the needs of residents and visitors. Town leaders are addressing those needs through a comprehensive plan for the development of Little Elm, encompassing aesthetic guidelines, controlling growth patterns, and expanding infrastructure to support the high demands of massive growth.
The Town of Little Elm boasts a wide variety of housing opportunities for the home buyer, ranging from duplex town homes to waterfront, estate sized lots with custom designed homes. Many neighborhoods boast wooded lots and lake views.
Commercial development along Eldorado Parkway, FM 423 and US Highway 380 offers the opportunity for small business, manufacturing, or the corporate campus. Completion of the new Lewisville Lake Toll Bridge will provide a much needed east west thoroughfare, connecting Little Elm, via Eldorado Parkway, to Interstate 35 E.
SOURCE: Little Elm Chamber of Commerce: