On June 3, 1954, Arlington’s General Motors Assembly Plant kicked off a three-day formal dedication and celebration featuring special events, programs, and an open house.

Over 45,000 people attended the festivities, including GM executives, local civic and business leaders, car dealers, families of employees, and area residents. The public was invited to tour the state-of-the-art facilities—which boasted modern amenities like air-conditioning and a contemporary cafeteria—along with special displays in the Aerodome Tent. It was a chance to celebrate GM’s official arrival and a new era for Arlington and North Texas.

At the time of the dedication, Arlington’s GM plant was employing 2,000 people and producing over 30 cars hourly within its 1.2 million square feet of space. The plant had already produced 14,000 vehicles since the first one rolled off the line in January 1954.

General Contractor Thomas S. Byrne and Arlington Mayor Tom Vandergriff
watch as a car rolls off the assembly line during the June 1954 open house
Fort Worth Star-Telegram – June 4, 1954
Newspapers.com

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Blog post by Jason S. Sullivan, 06-03-26