Prospective settlers traveling to this area during the 19th century were drawn to its high prairie hill and established the community of Cedar Hill in the late 1840s. Its early economy was based on providing support services for the surrounding farm communities. A disastrous tornado struck Cedar Hill in 1856 and slowed its growth until the railroad arrived in 1882. During the late 20th century, the town transitioned from rural to urban development, and it remains one of Dallas County's oldest settlements.