Denton is the county seat of Denton County, Texas. Located at the northern edge of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, the city's population was 80,537 according to the 2000 U.S. Census. Denton was founded in 1856 because of the need for a county seat. Denton, as well as Denton County, was named after John B. Denton, a prominent Methodist lawyer and Native-American fighter.
Denton County encompasses all or parts of three lakes: Lake Grapevine, Lake Lewisville, and Lake Ray Roberts. The Texas Motor Speedway is also located within Denton County.