The origin of Duncanville can be traced as far back as 1840s, with the community's beginning as a small settlement.

It was not until some forty years later, with the construction of the Chicago, Texas and Mexican Central Railroad connecting Dallas and Cleburne that Duncanville began to emerge as a town.

In the spring of 1881, the Chicago, Texas & Mexican Central Railroad was completed, connecting Dallas with Cleburne. In the summer of that same year, Charles P. Nance, the community's first postmaster, stepped off the train into a field of sunflowers at a place known as Duncan Switch.

In October 1881, the U.S. Postal Service gave Nance authorization to create a post office, and he called it "Duncanville."

Within a few months, mail would begin to arrive by rail.With Mr. Nance as the first postmaster, the post office opened in the general store and the first mail bags were received October 1, 1882. The growth and development of Duncanville occurred along the railroad tracks. In 1883, a large two-room depot was constructed immediately adjacent to the railroad tracks. Over time, businesses began emerging along the east side of the tracks. The first businesses to be established were the cotton gin, two general stores, and a doctor's office.

Today Duncanville is one of four founding partner communities collectively known as "Best of the Southwest Cities".