It’s hard to imagine the Arlington skyline without roller coasters stretching towards the sky. Six Flags Over Texas has been a part of Arlington for 60 years, and the two are closely intertwined. Before Six Flags occupied more than 200 acres along 360 and I-30, though, the area was nearly empty. Today, it’s home to Arlington’s Entertainment District.
On August 2, 1985, Delta Flight 191 crashed near Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. The crash killed 135 people, including most passengers and flight crew, along with a motorist on the ground.
In 2020, Mansfield, Texas, celebrated the 130th anniversary of the city’s incorporation. As COVID-19 postponed or canceled many of the festivities, the celebration continued into 2021. The Mansfield Historic Landmark Commission, Mansfield Public Library, and Mansfield Historical Museum and Heritage Center collaborated to sponsor “This Is Us.” It’s a community project seeking stories from former and current residents. The project is a reminder that historic preservation goes beyond places and events — it also involves everyday people and their stories.
This week marks 145 years since the railroad first arrived in Arlington, Texas. It was a significant event that helped create our town and contribute to its growth. Local historians generally consider the train’s arrival to be the founding of Arlington.
Will technology ever be evident in cemeteries? I think it will. QR Codes, or “Quick Response Codes,” are a type of barcode that you scan with your smartphone. These could be added at the cemetery or on individual headstones. As much as I generally detest technology, I think it’s a good idea.
