In August 2020, I started blogging about the past and present of Arlington, Texas. I call my blog ‘Local Unknown,’ as a tribute to Anthony Bourdain’s docuseries, “Parts Unknown,” which serves as an inspiration and influence.
Today marks five years of blogging about the past and present of Arlington. What started as something to do in the pandemic has grown into a passion project with purpose.
Why do I keep doing it? It indeed gives me something to do, but it also gives me a reason to explore Arlington. My blog serves as a souvenir from what and where I’ve explored, and as a tribute to the people, places, and events that I’ve learned about. I especially love the local history portion, as it is a vital effort in keeping our past alive.
I enjoy exploring Arlington—in fact, I’ve realized that I prefer exploring over traveling—and I’ve learned that I live in a fairly unique and interesting city. Where else can you find a city large enough to feel like a small town, with a vast array of things to do and places to explore, and an identity carved from a rich, 150-year history?
As it is now and was in the beginning, I don’t know who actually reads this. There’s a handful of people who do, and I occasionally get a comment that makes me feel warm and fuzzy. To those dedicated few—thank you! I appreciate your support, but, nonetheless, I do it for me. It’s a bonus if other people read it. I’m not an ‘influencer’ or a content creator—nor do I want to be. I just like doing my blog. I’m proud that it exists and the work I’ve put into it. Here’s to five years!
While I mostly do it for me, my blog has led to benefits and accomplishments, including:
- Serving on the City of Arlington’s Landmark Preservation Commission (2020 to 2023)
- Volunteering with the Arlington Historical Society (2021 to present)
- Being invited as a guest speaker to the Peters Colony Historical Society about Texas Historical Markers (2023)
- Serving as editor for the 4th edition of ‘Caddos, Cotton and Cowboys: Essays on Arlington’ by O.K. Carter (2023)
- Receiving the Debbie Reynolds-Hazen Award for historic preservation and a certificate of appreciation from the City of Arlington (2023)
- Being invited to speak at the March 2026 TSHA Annual Conference about Arlington Downs horse racing track (2025)
Blog post by Jason S. Sullivan, 08-12-25
Jason S. Sullivan 