Arlington 150th Anniversary

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As Arlington celebrates 150 years, we want to hear from the people who helped shape it. Whether it’s a childhood memory, a favorite neighborhood spot, a family tradition or a moment that captures what Arlington means to you, your story is part of our city’s history.

Help us honor Arlington by sharing your favorite memories, photos or personal reflections. Every story adds to the rich history of our community as we celebrate this sesquicentennial milestone.

As Arlington celebrates 150 years, we want to hear from the people who helped shape it. Whether it’s a childhood memory, a favorite neighborhood spot, a family tradition or a moment that captures what Arlington means to you, your story is part of our city’s history.

Help us honor Arlington by sharing your favorite memories, photos or personal reflections. Every story adds to the rich history of our community as we celebrate this sesquicentennial milestone.

Share Your Stories

We want to hear your Arlington story! Share a favorite memory, moment or piece of history that made this city special to you.

Thank you for taking the time to share your memories and history with us as we celebrate Arlington’s 150th anniversary. Your contribution helps preserve the moments, voices, and experiences that make our city’s story truly meaningful.

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  • Share "What You Wish the World Could Be" on Facebook Share "What You Wish the World Could Be" on X (formerly Twitter) Share "What You Wish the World Could Be" on Linkedin Email "What You Wish the World Could Be" link

    "What You Wish the World Could Be"

    by Belinda Willis, 4 days ago

    I spent summers with family in Arlington for years before we moved back to Texas in 1975 and chose Arlington as our home. We immediately felt welcomed as were embraced by new friends, a great church family and classmates (Lamar HS Class of 77). Except for a few years during college, Arlington has been my home ever since. I even had the privilege of covering the city for several years as a reporter at The Arlington Daily News. With all that history comes wonderful memories. One that sticks out for me is one shared by thousands of other Arlington teenagers... Continue reading

    I spent summers with family in Arlington for years before we moved back to Texas in 1975 and chose Arlington as our home. We immediately felt welcomed as were embraced by new friends, a great church family and classmates (Lamar HS Class of 77). Except for a few years during college, Arlington has been my home ever since. I even had the privilege of covering the city for several years as a reporter at The Arlington Daily News. With all that history comes wonderful memories. One that sticks out for me is one shared by thousands of other Arlington teenagers – working at one of the attractions in what is now the Entertainment District. If you were a teenager in Arlington those days, you most likely worked at one of two places: Six Flags Over Texas or Arlington Stadium. For me, it was Six Flags. I spent my summers among the throngs of people enjoying the thrills the park had to offer; only I was on the other side of the counter at the cash register. After clocking out, the park was open to employees to spend time together and just have fun. Beyond collecting my first real paychecks, Six Flags gave me lasting friendships and an opportunity to learn the value of showing up on time, working hard and being a dependable employee. For many who grew up in Arlington, Six Flags was “what you wish the world could be.”

    Belinda Willis

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  • Share Six decades at Lamar High School on Facebook Share Six decades at Lamar High School on X (formerly Twitter) Share Six decades at Lamar High School on Linkedin Email Six decades at Lamar High School link

    Six decades at Lamar High School

    by Jacqueline Johnson Lambiase, 4 days ago

    I met my spouse Tom as a new student at Lamar High School, at the end of my junior year in 1979. His family, and now my family, too, has had a student at Lamar for every decade that it’s been around, from the 1970s through today. After Tom and I graduated in 1980, my younger brother Jim and Tom’s four younger siblings attended through the early 1990s. Our older daughter Tacy started there as a freshman in 2006, and our younger daughter Emma graduated from there in 2014. Several of their cousins have attended there, too, with the youngest... Continue reading

    I met my spouse Tom as a new student at Lamar High School, at the end of my junior year in 1979. His family, and now my family, too, has had a student at Lamar for every decade that it’s been around, from the 1970s through today. After Tom and I graduated in 1980, my younger brother Jim and Tom’s four younger siblings attended through the early 1990s. Our older daughter Tacy started there as a freshman in 2006, and our younger daughter Emma graduated from there in 2014. Several of their cousins have attended there, too, with the youngest, Blake, now at Lamar as a sophomore. It’s a place with many happy memories for our family, from theater productions, concerts, newspaper publications, academic competitions, and sports. Go Vikes!

    The photo shows Emma Lambiase, left, after a play in fall 2013, with her theater teacher Steve Morris, and her sister Tacy Lambiase.




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  • Share Arlington and Baseball on Facebook Share Arlington and Baseball on X (formerly Twitter) Share Arlington and Baseball on Linkedin Email Arlington and Baseball link

    Arlington and Baseball

    by Lyn Scott, 4 days ago

    One of my favorite ways to measure my years in Arlington is through baseball. I’ve lived here long enough to have watched the Texas Rangers play in three different ballparks: Arlington Stadium, The Ballpark in Arlington, and now Globe Life Field. Each one represents a different chapter in Arlington’s history and in my own life here. It has been remarkable to watch our city grow and change around them, while still maintaining the sense of community that made Arlington feel like home in the first place. I’m proud to have had a front-row seat to a little piece of Arlington’s... Continue reading

    One of my favorite ways to measure my years in Arlington is through baseball. I’ve lived here long enough to have watched the Texas Rangers play in three different ballparks: Arlington Stadium, The Ballpark in Arlington, and now Globe Life Field. Each one represents a different chapter in Arlington’s history and in my own life here. It has been remarkable to watch our city grow and change around them, while still maintaining the sense of community that made Arlington feel like home in the first place. I’m proud to have had a front-row seat to a little piece of Arlington’s history.

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  • Share GM Arlington: Driving Arlington’s Growth for 70 Years on Facebook Share GM Arlington: Driving Arlington’s Growth for 70 Years on X (formerly Twitter) Share GM Arlington: Driving Arlington’s Growth for 70 Years on Linkedin Email GM Arlington: Driving Arlington’s Growth for 70 Years link

    GM Arlington: Driving Arlington’s Growth for 70 Years

    by Mike Cartwright, 4 days ago

    GM Arlington: Driving Arlington’s Growth for 70 Years

    As Arlington celebrates its 150th anniversary, no story of the city’s growth would be complete without General Motors Arlington Assembly. In the early 1950s, Arlington was a small North Texas community with fewer than 8,000 residents. Everything changed when General Motors chose Arlington as the site of its new assembly plant. The facility opened on January 6, 1954, bringing thousands of jobs and placing Arlington on the map as a manufacturing powerhouse. [tshaonline.org]

    The plant's arrival helped fuel Arlington’s transformation from a quiet town into one of Texas’ largest cities. Guided by... Continue reading

    GM Arlington: Driving Arlington’s Growth for 70 Years

    As Arlington celebrates its 150th anniversary, no story of the city’s growth would be complete without General Motors Arlington Assembly. In the early 1950s, Arlington was a small North Texas community with fewer than 8,000 residents. Everything changed when General Motors chose Arlington as the site of its new assembly plant. The facility opened on January 6, 1954, bringing thousands of jobs and placing Arlington on the map as a manufacturing powerhouse. [tshaonline.org]

    The plant's arrival helped fuel Arlington’s transformation from a quiet town into one of Texas’ largest cities. Guided by community leaders such as Mayor Tom Vandergriff and supported by local business advocates, GM’s investment attracted workers, families, and new businesses to the area. The city's population grew rapidly in the decades that followed, and many residents credit the GM plant as a major driver of that growth. [tshaonline.org]

    Over the years, generations of skilled workers have built millions of vehicles at Arlington Assembly. The plant has produced iconic brands including Buick, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC. Today, it manufactures world-renowned SUVs such as the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade. [en.wikipedia.org], [gmauthority.com]

    More than a factory, GM Arlington has become part of the city's identity. For over seven decades, UAW members, salaried employees, and community partners have helped create quality vehicles while supporting local schools, charities, and civic organizations. In 2024, the plant celebrated its 70th anniversary and the production of its 13 millionth vehicle, a testament to the dedication of its workforce and its lasting impact on Arlington. [focusdailynews.com], [gmauthority.com]

    As Arlington marks 150 years of history, GM Arlington stands as a symbol of innovation, opportunity, and the hardworking people who helped build both great vehicles and a great city. Together, Arlington and GM have grown side by side, driving progress for generations and helping shape the future of North Texas.


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  • Share A Night of Hope on the Levitt Lawn on Facebook Share A Night of Hope on the Levitt Lawn on X (formerly Twitter) Share A Night of Hope on the Levitt Lawn on Linkedin Email A Night of Hope on the Levitt Lawn link

    A Night of Hope on the Levitt Lawn

    by Angela Peña, 4 days ago

    The most meaningful memory I have of Arlington happened just five days after the Uvalde school shooting. The entire state was heartbroken and grieving, and there was a heaviness that seemed to be felt by everyone. At Levitt Arlington, we continued with our concert schedule, but we did so with heavy hearts.

    That Sunday, when Little Joe y La Familia took the stage, something shifted.

    Little Joe, a Tejano legend, set aside his rockstar persona and spoke from the heart about the tragedy in Uvalde. He reminded us of the importance of community, of coming together in difficult times, and... Continue reading

    The most meaningful memory I have of Arlington happened just five days after the Uvalde school shooting. The entire state was heartbroken and grieving, and there was a heaviness that seemed to be felt by everyone. At Levitt Arlington, we continued with our concert schedule, but we did so with heavy hearts.

    That Sunday, when Little Joe y La Familia took the stage, something shifted.

    Little Joe, a Tejano legend, set aside his rockstar persona and spoke from the heart about the tragedy in Uvalde. He reminded us of the importance of community, of coming together in difficult times, and of how we can begin to heal when we refuse to lose faith in one another.

    What happened that night was incredibly powerful. I watched Arlington come together as one community. The heaviness in the crowd slowly gave way to hope, all because one man used the power of his music and his platform to remind people that even in our darkest moments, we can find strength in one another.

    There was music, laughter, tears, and even a few beers shared on the Levitt lawn. For a few hours, people were able to simply be together—to grieve, to laugh, to listen, and to heal.

    I will never forget that night or the reminder it gave me of what makes Arlington so special. It showed me that a community is more than a place; it is the people who come together when it matters most. And it showed me the incredible power of music to bring people together, create hope, and begin the healing process.

    That night at Levitt Arlington will always be one of my favorite memories of Arlington.

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  • Share The Blessing of Service in Arlington on Facebook Share The Blessing of Service in Arlington on X (formerly Twitter) Share The Blessing of Service in Arlington on Linkedin Email The Blessing of Service in Arlington link

    The Blessing of Service in Arlington

    by Angel, 5 days ago

    "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." — Proverbs 16:3

    Having lived in 15 states and 4 countries throughout my life, I have seen communities of all shapes and sizes. But 26 years ago, I was blessed to find my true home right here in Arlington, Texas. As a Marine Corps veteran, the values of service, dedication, and community run deep in my blood. For me, loving Arlington isn't just a feeling; it is an active, daily commitment to rolling up my sleeves and working alongside my neighbors to make our city a safer, cleaner... Continue reading

    "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." — Proverbs 16:3

    Having lived in 15 states and 4 countries throughout my life, I have seen communities of all shapes and sizes. But 26 years ago, I was blessed to find my true home right here in Arlington, Texas. As a Marine Corps veteran, the values of service, dedication, and community run deep in my blood. For me, loving Arlington isn't just a feeling; it is an active, daily commitment to rolling up my sleeves and working alongside my neighbors to make our city a safer, cleaner, and more unified place for everyone.


    My journey of service here has allowed me to connect with Arlington in so many profound ways. I have walked our streets to protect our neighborhoods through Community Watch and Citizens On Patrol, worked with Code Rangers, and graduated from the Arlington Citizens Police Academy and its Association. Out of a desire to care for the beautiful spaces we share, I pioneered and organized the Annual Fish Creek Cleanup Challenge, pouring my heart into leading it for eight years before proudly passing the torch to our District 3 Council Representative, Nikkie Hunter, for the 9th annual event.


    My passion for our local veteran community led me to serve as the platoon leader for The Mission Continues DFW platoon, coordinating multiple impactful community events, and to deliver Character Does Matter presentations with the Travis Manion Foundation. One of my proudest moments of impact was serving as the TMF 9/11 DFW Race Director for three years, where I worked hard to officially move the race from Dallas to Arlington, showcasing the true, patriotic heartbeat of our city.

    "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." — Proverbs 27:17


    Arlington is a uniquely special city because of the people who build it up every single day. It has been the absolute honor of my life to serve as a professional volunteer here, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with compassionate neighbors, first responders, and fellow leaders. Every project, every cleanup, and every race has been a reminder of how resilient and connected we are. As Arlington celebrates this historic 150th sesquicentennial milestone, I look back on my 26 years here with immense gratitude. It is a profound, life-changing blessing to call Arlington my home.

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  • Share Jo Anna Cardoza's Arlington Story on Facebook Share Jo Anna Cardoza's Arlington Story on X (formerly Twitter) Share Jo Anna Cardoza's Arlington Story on Linkedin Email Jo Anna Cardoza's Arlington Story link

    Jo Anna Cardoza's Arlington Story

    by Jo Anna Cardoza, 5 days ago
    No photo description available.






    I have many fond memories of growing up in Arlington. When my parents moved to Arlington from Houston during the 80's recession we move to a small home along Collins St. My father built some of the family homes in Arlington and I have a picture somewhere of myself on a rooftop during construction. I can remember driving by the meadow that would one day become the Park's mall. I can still taste the peach muffins from Blanton Elementary, my first crush at Morton Elementary, skipping school at Workman Junior High, the taco salads at Hutch, my first best friend... Continue reading






    I have many fond memories of growing up in Arlington. When my parents moved to Arlington from Houston during the 80's recession we move to a small home along Collins St. My father built some of the family homes in Arlington and I have a picture somewhere of myself on a rooftop during construction. I can remember driving by the meadow that would one day become the Park's mall. I can still taste the peach muffins from Blanton Elementary, my first crush at Morton Elementary, skipping school at Workman Junior High, the taco salads at Hutch, my first best friend at Carter Junior High and my future husband picking me up in his work uniform at Sam Houston High School. Making trips to the old downtown library for school projects research. I met my husband at the Jack in the Box on Collins St., we lived in several neighborhoods in Arlington before purchasing our home in the southern part of town. My husband and I have raised our children in the city and we have made so many memories with them and now with our grandchildren. My family has enjoyed countless hot summers at Six Flags, attending the annual Fourth of July parade, the Holiday parade and countless other events.

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  • Share My Favorite Place Isn’t on Trip Advisor on Facebook Share My Favorite Place Isn’t on Trip Advisor on X (formerly Twitter) Share My Favorite Place Isn’t on Trip Advisor on Linkedin Email My Favorite Place Isn’t on Trip Advisor link

    My Favorite Place Isn’t on Trip Advisor

    by Hedi, 5 days ago

    My favorite place in Arlington isn’t a park, a restaurant, or one of the places you’d find on a visitor’s guide. It’s my aunt’s house.

    In 2011, when my marriage imploded, I came to Arlington from Switzerland for what was supposed to be a visit. I didn’t know how I was going to go back. I also didn’t know how I could possibly stay.

    My son and I arrived at my aunt and uncle’s house with four suitcases and a whole lot of uncertainty. Every morning, I wanted to pull the covers over my head and disappear for a while... Continue reading

    My favorite place in Arlington isn’t a park, a restaurant, or one of the places you’d find on a visitor’s guide. It’s my aunt’s house.

    In 2011, when my marriage imploded, I came to Arlington from Switzerland for what was supposed to be a visit. I didn’t know how I was going to go back. I also didn’t know how I could possibly stay.

    My son and I arrived at my aunt and uncle’s house with four suitcases and a whole lot of uncertainty. Every morning, I wanted to pull the covers over my head and disappear for a while. My aunt wasn’t having it.

    She made sure I got up. I helped make breakfast. I made my bed. I fluffed the decorative pillows. And somehow, those little things mattered.

    After a few weeks, exhausted from a life that had taken more out of me than I realized, I decided I wasn’t ready to go back. I enrolled my son in school, and we began building a routine. Every morning, I walked him to school. Then I went out with my aunt to do the most wonderfully ordinary things. We'd go pay the water bill, go to Sears and pay that bill, have lunch, or catch a movie with her retired friends, who folded me into their circle as if I had always belonged there.

    In the evenings, we watched TV together. Sundays we went to church and after, we'd watch the Cowboys lose together. A lot. (Ha! Love you, Uncle Charles.)

    And slowly, without some big dramatic moment, I began to feel like myself again. I felt loved, welcome, and safe. Little by little, I began to feel like I could keep it all together again.

    Eventually, I found a place of my own. And instead of rushing me out the door, my aunt and uncle asked, “Are you sure? Are you ready?”

    I was.

    Their house will always be the place where I remember starting over. And Arlington, the city I spent childhood summers in but never expected to call home, became exactly that.

    Home.

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  • Share Arlington lobbies are the best! on Facebook Share Arlington lobbies are the best! on X (formerly Twitter) Share Arlington lobbies are the best! on Linkedin Email Arlington lobbies are the best! link

    Arlington lobbies are the best!

    by Diane (Warren) Gatzke, 5 days ago

    I arrived in Arlington in 1973, fresh from high school in a small rural Kansas town, to attend Bauder Fashion College on Center Street. The big time! Mayor Vandergriff stopped by to welcome us all to Arlington. I've been here ever since.

    I met my future ex-husband that first year, in the Bauder lobby, where large numbers of UTA frat boys liked to hang out, and we married in 1976. Divorcing in 1993, I had two young children to raise by myself, and a career to figure out. And I did.

    Thirty years after meeting my first husband in the... Continue reading

    I arrived in Arlington in 1973, fresh from high school in a small rural Kansas town, to attend Bauder Fashion College on Center Street. The big time! Mayor Vandergriff stopped by to welcome us all to Arlington. I've been here ever since.

    I met my future ex-husband that first year, in the Bauder lobby, where large numbers of UTA frat boys liked to hang out, and we married in 1976. Divorcing in 1993, I had two young children to raise by myself, and a career to figure out. And I did.

    Thirty years after meeting my first husband in the Bauder lobby, I met my second husband two blocks away, in the lobby of the Bluebonnet Ballroom in the UTA University Center. Don Gatzke was the incoming Dean of the School of Architecture, and we married in 2006.
    In the meantime, I have served my city and my university to the best of my ability on numerous boards, volunteering my time to causes I believe in. The past 53 years have been challenging, wonderful, and full of growth for both me and my city. And the saga continues.....

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  • Share Downtown Library on Facebook Share Downtown Library on X (formerly Twitter) Share Downtown Library on Linkedin Email Downtown Library link

    Downtown Library

    by Andi Gwyn, 6 days ago

    One of my favorite Arlington memories is raising the money to build the Downtown Library as the Arlington Public Library’s Development Coordinator. It was inspiring to see our community come together around something that means so much to families, students, seniors, and everyone who believes in the power of knowledge and opportunity.

    What made that experience especially meaningful was seeing firsthand how generous and passionate Arlington residents can be when we rally behind a shared vision. The Downtown Library is more than a building—it is a place where people come to learn, connect, discover new ideas, and build a brighter... Continue reading

    One of my favorite Arlington memories is raising the money to build the Downtown Library as the Arlington Public Library’s Development Coordinator. It was inspiring to see our community come together around something that means so much to families, students, seniors, and everyone who believes in the power of knowledge and opportunity.

    What made that experience especially meaningful was seeing firsthand how generous and passionate Arlington residents can be when we rally behind a shared vision. The Downtown Library is more than a building—it is a place where people come to learn, connect, discover new ideas, and build a brighter future. Being part of the effort to help make that vision a reality is a memory I treasure.

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Page last updated: 23 Aug 2026, 07:25 PM