TYLER

city, seat (1846) of Smith county, northeastern Texas, U.S. It is located 99 miles (159 km) east-southeast of Dallas. Laid out in 1846 and named for President John Tyler, it was a farming centre until 1930, when the East Texas oil field was discovered. A transportation focus, Tyler became the administrative headquarters for oil companies and now has refineries and commercial and light-industrial developments. It is also known for its flower industry, exemplified by Tyler Rose Park, its annual Texas Rose Festival (October), and Azalea and Spring Flower Trails. The city is the seat of Texas College (1894), Tyler Junior College (1926), and University of Texas at Tyler (1971). There are many small lakes in the vicinity, including Lake Tyler. Inc. city, 1907. Pop. (1990) city, 75,450; Tyler MSA, 151,309.