Arlington, Texas was first inhabited by Caddo Indians, who were agricultural by nature. The land enticed them because of its black, fertile richness. These Indians not only farmed, but also traded goods with the French, Spanish and Mexicans. Bird’s Ford was built in 1841 by the Texas Rangers and Major Johnathan Bird. The Rangers also constructed Johnson Station, a stage stop and trading post. Permission for this venture was given by Sam Houston.
Tensions between the Indians and Anglo settlers caused the 1841 Battle of Village Creek, involving General Edward H. Tarrant. Some of the tribes such as the Caddo, Keechie, Waco, Cherokee, Delaware and Biloxis signed a peace treaty in 1843 with Texas. As a result, the Indian Peace Council established a fort at Marrow Bone Spring. Archibald Leonard built a grist mill in 1857. Then the Civil War demolished the population. However, Colonel Middleton Tate Johnson gave the land for the Fort Worth Court House and jail. During the 50s and 60s Judge Vandergriff was major.
Arlington, Texas is named after General Robert E. Lee’s Virginia home. Simultaneously, it is an honor to James Ditto, Sr, who was the first postmaster. Andrew S. Hayter developed the first town plat. In 1876, a train arrived in Arlington. Instead of providing fresh drinking water, the land of Arlington produced mineral water. Arlington, Texas became full of industrial technology, including gins for cotton processing. The farmers raised hay, oats and peanuts. Potatoes and sorghum were plentiful. In addition, cattle and livestock were in abundance.
Near 1910, Arlington had grown to include major utility companies plus a public school. General Motors came to Arlington, Texas in 1951. Arlington, Texas has an annual Front Street Festival in Knapp Heritage Park. Part of the festivities includes a classic car parade.
