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 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, about 2 months 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, about 2 months 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, about 2 months 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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  • Share Rangers Game on Facebook Share Rangers Game on X (formerly Twitter) Share Rangers Game on Linkedin Email Rangers Game link

    Rangers Game

    by Paula Pierson, about 2 months ago

    One of my favorite memories was a Rangers game. The Nolan Ryan No Hitter!!! It was one of the most exciting events in sports I have ever experienced.

    One of my favorite memories was a Rangers game. The Nolan Ryan No Hitter!!! It was one of the most exciting events in sports I have ever experienced.

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  • Share Nebraska Transplanted to Arlington on Facebook Share Nebraska Transplanted to Arlington on X (formerly Twitter) Share Nebraska Transplanted to Arlington on Linkedin Email Nebraska Transplanted to Arlington link

    Nebraska Transplanted to Arlington

    by Stews4, 2 months ago

    My husband, one year old son and I moved to Arlington a little over 45 years ago from the Midwest. We are Texans now (well my husband is originally from Texas but we met in NE where he moved to after school but we ended up here due to American Airlines). I have seen so much growth in Arlington over the years. Watched Arlington Stadium get torn down, The Ballpark in Arlington (now Choctaw) get built (on a daily basis as I had to pass by it on my way to work), saw Globe Life Field and Texas Live get... Continue reading

    My husband, one year old son and I moved to Arlington a little over 45 years ago from the Midwest. We are Texans now (well my husband is originally from Texas but we met in NE where he moved to after school but we ended up here due to American Airlines). I have seen so much growth in Arlington over the years. Watched Arlington Stadium get torn down, The Ballpark in Arlington (now Choctaw) get built (on a daily basis as I had to pass by it on my way to work), saw Globe Life Field and Texas Live get built, saw the Parks Mall get built while Six Flags Mall was still in its prime, downtown got renovated, so many things.

    Many great memories here but some that I truly cherish is my 2nd son was born at Arlington Memorial Hospital, our family of four would go to Luby's Cafeteria at Six Flags Mall or Piccadilly Cafe at Forum 303 Mall on Sundays. My granddaughters live in Mansfield but I took them on the Arlington Star Search throughout the city and found every star over a few days. They thought that was the greatest! Then we were awarded with Arlington Star Search tshirts at city hall. We have been frequenting Levitt Pavillion since its opening about 20 years ago. I hope Arlington continues to beautify the city as it's beginning to show its age. Looking forward to seeing completion of the new Anthem (Lincoln Square). I love the DREAM CITY.

  • Share Something Unexpected Happened on Facebook Share Something Unexpected Happened on X (formerly Twitter) Share Something Unexpected Happened on Linkedin Email Something Unexpected Happened link

    Something Unexpected Happened

    by Grey Pierson, 2 months ago

    I arrived in Arlington in 1976 after working as an associate attorney in Odessa for a couple of years. Although I enjoyed living there, I really wanted to build my career in either Fort Worth or Dallas. So, when a law firm in Arlington offered me a position, I enthusiastically accepted, believing that Arlington’s central location would allow me to experience both Dallas and Fort Worth before deciding where to settle. But something unexpected happened. I discovered that Arlington was exactly where I belonged. Here is where I built my law practice, formed lifelong friendships, met my wife, watched our... Continue reading

    I arrived in Arlington in 1976 after working as an associate attorney in Odessa for a couple of years. Although I enjoyed living there, I really wanted to build my career in either Fort Worth or Dallas. So, when a law firm in Arlington offered me a position, I enthusiastically accepted, believing that Arlington’s central location would allow me to experience both Dallas and Fort Worth before deciding where to settle. But something unexpected happened. I discovered that Arlington was exactly where I belonged. Here is where I built my law practice, formed lifelong friendships, met my wife, watched our family grow, and plan to spend the rest of my life. Choosing to plant my flag in Arlington was one of the best decisions I have ever made, and I am grateful I did.

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  • Share Pivotol Moments When Voters Shaped Our City on Facebook Share Pivotol Moments When Voters Shaped Our City on X (formerly Twitter) Share Pivotol Moments When Voters Shaped Our City on Linkedin Email Pivotol Moments When Voters Shaped Our City link

    Pivotol Moments When Voters Shaped Our City

    by Former Mayor Richard Greene, 2 months ago

    Among all the celebrations of Arlington Mayor Jim Ross hosting the world during the city’s 150th anniversary seems like a good time to take a look at the ways it all began.

    Centered among the city’s evolving identity and it’s largest economy in the Entertainment District, is the story of how it has been sustained.

    It may never have happened except for critical turning points that unfolded during the past 65 years.

    Real estate developer Angus Wynne Jr.’s plans for an industrial park along the new DFW Turnpike running through the city had stalled out. He imagined a “temporary solution”... Continue reading

    Among all the celebrations of Arlington Mayor Jim Ross hosting the world during the city’s 150th anniversary seems like a good time to take a look at the ways it all began.

    Centered among the city’s evolving identity and it’s largest economy in the Entertainment District, is the story of how it has been sustained.

    It may never have happened except for critical turning points that unfolded during the past 65 years.

    Real estate developer Angus Wynne Jr.’s plans for an industrial park along the new DFW Turnpike running through the city had stalled out. He imagined a “temporary solution” that became Six Flags Over Texas opening in 1961.

    A personal connection with the park came for Sylvia and me when we selected it as our wedding trip destination from Louisiana three years later. It’s how we discovered Arlington.

    Last month the park celebrated a milestone of hosting one of the few places on earth where you could take a ride on the world's tallest, fastest and longest giga dive coaster.

    The next turning point occurred three years later when voters approved a big Tarrant County bond proposal where Mayor Tom Vandergriff had included a plan to build a minor league baseball park that debuted in 1965 as Turnpike Stadium.

    Then in 1972, following a decade of determination by Vandergriff to bring a major league team here, he succeeded and forever secured his legacy.

    Renaming it Arlington Stadium and quickly adding 15,000 outfield aluminum bleacher seats to comply with MLB requirements, Arlington had become a major league city.

    During 1987, the year I was elected mayor and without a clue of losing the Rangers, I got a call from the team’s owner, Eddie Chiles saying, “Mayor, we have a problem.”

    He explained the stadium was unable to produce enough revenue to cover the cost of the players’ total payroll - some $6 Million.

    A side note - that sum is more than $1 Million short of today’s average pay for a single player.

    Eddie would sell the team to a group of investors headed up by President George Bush’s son. They would require a new ballpark.

    When that announcement was made, headlines the following day and for weeks to come, essentially announced the Rangers would be moving to Dallas, as one sports writer declared, “where they belong.”

    “No,” said I and went to work with the owners’ partner in charge of ballpark development, Tom Schieffer and put together an agreement between the city and the Rangers to build The Ballpark in Arlington. All subject to voter approval.

    They showed up in record numbers in 1991, and authorized the deal by nearly a 65% margin saving our team and the Vandergriff legacy.

    Everything after that in the Entertainment District today can be traced to the outcome of that election.

    What came next was when Jerry Jones was looking to build a new stadium for his Cowboys. He liked what the city had done with the Rangers - that debt then having been paid off. Working with former Mayor Bob Cluck, the Cowboys’ plan was approved by voters in 2004.

    After 25 years of Rangers games in the Texas summer heat in The Ballpark in Arlington owners concluded they needed a new air-conditioned, retractable roof stadium to improve the experience for fans and players.

    Saying so reignited speculation of Dallas having a second chance to move the team to its downtown. Then Mayor Jeff Williams, following the history of success with the Rangers and Arlington voters, put a 50-50 deal to build Globe Life Field before them in 2016. Sixty percent said ‘yes.’

    It would be the fourth time Arlington voters would authorize public funding for major league sports facilities.

    In the meantime, two national hotels, the new Arlington Convention Center, Texas Live!, the National Medal of Honor Museum, and the One Rangers Way apartment complex (where my wife and I now call home) can be found in the center of it all attracting 16 million visitors annually.

    Right now a new 550 room hotel is under construction on the site of the old Sheraton Hotel property next to the Esports Stadium adjacent to the Arlington Museum of Art.

    So, as we celebrate 150 years its a reminder of what’s yet to come in our remarkable hometown.

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  • Share The Day I Moved to Arlington on Facebook Share The Day I Moved to Arlington on X (formerly Twitter) Share The Day I Moved to Arlington on Linkedin Email The Day I Moved to Arlington link

    The Day I Moved to Arlington

    by Hardenrose, 2 months ago

    The very first restaurant that I went to was Pappadeaux! It's been my favorite eating spot for over 20 years.

    My very first job was Six Flags! I loved it! My rides were free and I met so many friendly people.

    I finally got a Great job working for Arlington 911. This was where I got to really know the city, it's people, and how to find my way around. It wasn't as busy as it is now. Just a small, comfortable, beautiful town where people smiled and spoke to you.

    After over 20 years of living here, it is... Continue reading

    The very first restaurant that I went to was Pappadeaux! It's been my favorite eating spot for over 20 years.

    My very first job was Six Flags! I loved it! My rides were free and I met so many friendly people.

    I finally got a Great job working for Arlington 911. This was where I got to really know the city, it's people, and how to find my way around. It wasn't as busy as it is now. Just a small, comfortable, beautiful town where people smiled and spoke to you.

    After over 20 years of living here, it is my home with family.

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  • Share I Love My Hometown on Facebook Share I Love My Hometown on X (formerly Twitter) Share I Love My Hometown on Linkedin Email I Love My Hometown link

    I Love My Hometown

    by Mash, 2 months ago

    My mother graduated from AHS, class of 1950. I was born (1962) and raised in Arlington (Rankin, Hutchison, Sam Houston) and have watched it grow tremendously.
    In my youth, we would go to my grandparents place on Pleasant Ridge Rd at the bottom of what was then called Hiccup Hill.
    at that time Cooper Street was 1 lane each way from Arkansas Ln to Downtown Mansfield. It was farms from the old Johnson Station school (Cooper & Mayfield) south. No I-20, no Mall, no strip centers, just farms.
    I would walk Rush Creek from Pleasant Ridge, going South, for miles... Continue reading

    My mother graduated from AHS, class of 1950. I was born (1962) and raised in Arlington (Rankin, Hutchison, Sam Houston) and have watched it grow tremendously.
    In my youth, we would go to my grandparents place on Pleasant Ridge Rd at the bottom of what was then called Hiccup Hill.
    at that time Cooper Street was 1 lane each way from Arkansas Ln to Downtown Mansfield. It was farms from the old Johnson Station school (Cooper & Mayfield) south. No I-20, no Mall, no strip centers, just farms.
    I would walk Rush Creek from Pleasant Ridge, going South, for miles.
    Ironic that now I live off of Cooper and Sublett Rd., just blocks from Rush Creek.


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  • Share Always Home on Facebook Share Always Home on X (formerly Twitter) Share Always Home on Linkedin Email Always Home link

    Always Home

    by KendallQ, 2 months ago
    I was born and raised in Arlington. I went to Larson, Nichols, then Arlington High. I moved back after I went away to college and graduate school, not intending to stay for very long. It's been seven years and I feel more integrated into the community than ever. I love so many of the local restaurants and the memories I made at each one growing up. I've lived in almost every part of the city and people are often surprised that I can to almost anywhere in the city without directions. Looking at the traditions, people, and pride, it's always... Continue reading
    I was born and raised in Arlington. I went to Larson, Nichols, then Arlington High. I moved back after I went away to college and graduate school, not intending to stay for very long. It's been seven years and I feel more integrated into the community than ever. I love so many of the local restaurants and the memories I made at each one growing up. I've lived in almost every part of the city and people are often surprised that I can to almost anywhere in the city without directions. Looking at the traditions, people, and pride, it's always been a place I feel most comfortable and at home. From Ranger games in the summer to Interlochen lights at Christmas and the dozens of moments throughout the year that residents and visitors look forward to most, Arlington has been and always will be the place I come back to!

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Page last updated: 28 Sep 2026, 09:58 PM