Though Arlington was founded in July 1876 as a stop on the Texas & Pacific Railway and recognized by the post office in January 1877, it wasn’t until April 21, 1884, that the town was officially incorporated.

According to Arista Joyner’s book—Arlington, Texas: Birthplace of the Metroplex—the proceedings began about a week earlier when the “Rules of Order of the Town Council of the Town of Arlington” were passed. (How verbose!) Soon after, the first dozen ordinances were established—including bans on carrying weapons, regulations on the sale of liquor, and even a law prohibiting the riding of “horses etc.” into houses. Yes, apparently that was a genuine concern! On April 19th, the paperwork was filed with Tarrant County, and on April 21st at 3:20 PM, Arlington formally became a town.

At the time, the population was fewer than 500 people. Most were farmers, with cotton serving as the primary crop and industry. A handful of residents held other roles, including merchants, doctors, and proprietors. The community was connected to the world via its post office, a newspaper aptly titled ‘The World,’ and the railroad that established the town. Arlington’s legendary mineral well wouldn’t be drilled for several more years, and it took until 1900 for the population to finally surpass 1,000 people.

Arlington’s first three stores on Main Street in the late 1800s
Photo Credit: Arlington Landmark Preservation Commission

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Blog post by Jason S. Sullivan, 04-21-26