Carver Dixon King (1843–1930) became Arlington’s first mayor shortly after the town was established in 1876.

Born in Tennessee in 1843, King fought in the Civil War before coming to Texas in 1875, where he immediately began his long career in public service. He served as Arlington’s Mayor from 1876 to 1881 and again from 1899 to 1900. Beyond his mayoral service, he also served 13 terms as Justice of the Peace, worked as a notary, and owned a grocery store and icehouse.

Carver Dixon King
Photo Credit: City of Arlington

King was married twice and had two children from his first marriage. Nicknamed “Uncle Dutch,” he was known for his honor, integrity, level-headedness, and friendship, possessing a unique way of approaching challenges.

King passed away on October 27, 1930, at age 87, after a brief illness, with many attending his funeral to pay their respects. He was buried at Parkdale Cemetery and is remembered as a man who served his people well. Arlington honors King with a Texas Historical Marker located at 301 E. North St., in the vicinity of where his home once stood.

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Blog post by Jason S. Sullivan, 10-27-25