Arlington Police Officer Gary Harl died in the line of duty on July 17, 1975, after a routine traffic stop resulted in a shooting. Officer Harl, age 31, served with the Arlington Police Department for two years.
July 17, 2024—Today marks the 80th anniversary of the Port Chicago military disaster in which a munitions explosion killed 320 people and injured nearly 400 more. Seaman 2nd Class Ross Dee Hunt (1918-1944) was a young Black man from Arlington who died in the tragedy.
Pantera formed in Arlington, Texas, in the early 1980s. From humble (and glam rock) beginnings, they would become one of the most influential heavy metal bands ever. Huge in the 1990s and still revered today, these cowboys from hell brought swagger and style to the music. They even pioneered a new sound with their groove metal. The classic lineup of vocalist Phil Anselmo, guitarist Dimebag Darrell, drummer Vinnie Paul, and bassist Rex Brown remains among the most iconic in heavy metal music.
From 1950 to 1970, Arlington experienced unprecedented growth. The population in 1950 was 7,692; by 1970, it was 90,643. Yet, as the city transformed, there was a growing desire for community spirit. With a nod to Arlington’s small-town roots, the first Independence Day Parade was in 1965. What started as kids on bicycles in a city park became a full display of patriotism and pageantry. Now the longest-running annual event in Arlington, the parade draws over 75,000 spectators and 100+ entries.
The 48StateTour is a gravestone preservation workshop. The event came to Johnson Station Cemetery in Arlington on June 19, 2024.
Jason S. Sullivan 