City of Arlington

Three men and a car with photo label saying Formal Opening June 1954. Plant Manager E.C. Klotzburger and Production Manager R.J. Howlett look over the 10,000th car produced at the Arlington plant

General Motors plant, 1954. (Arlington Historical Society)

Group of small buildings with sign saying Dixie Tourist Camp

Dixie Tourist Camp (Arlington Historical Society)

Small gazebo in center of street with sign saying The Home of Arlington Crystals

Mineral well in downtown Arlington, 1930. (J.W. Dunlop Collection, The University of Texas-Arlington)

A group of people gathered in a tavern

Tiny’s Tavern on Division Street in the 1930s. (Arlington Historical Society)

Railroad tracks running down the center of a street

Interurban tracks on Abram Street. (Arlington Historical Society)

Archway at entrance to Arlington Downs

Arlington Downs Racetrack, 1942 (Library of Congress)

Large, long building saying Arlington Downs

Arlington Downs Racetrack, 1942 (Library of Congress)

Arlington

Arlington was known as a small agricultural marketplace and a destination with “medicinal” mineral waters for health-seekers up until the early 20th century. When the Bankhead Highway was built through Arlington in the 1920s, it provided a direct connection between two larger cities, Fort Worth and Dallas. Ease of access for travelers triggered rapid growth and the development of the tourism industry. Manufacturing also boomed when General Motors built a plant in Arlington in 1954. The construction of the interstate highway north of the city in the late 1950s led to a dramatic increase in population, as Arlington became one of the fastest-growing areas along the Bankhead. Take some time to explore the Bankhead’s old routes along Abram and Division Streets before indulging in Arlington’s more modern pursuits.

Road into park with stone entrance way with small turrets

Top O' Hill Terrace entrance today

Man standing in front of sign saying Top O’Hill Terrace

Server at Tea Room entrance, Top O’ Hill Terrace. (Arlington Baptist College)

Gated road with stone entrance with two turrets

Casino entrance, Top O’ Hill Terrace. (Arlington Baptist College)

Small garden with center pond and brick gazebo

Tea Garden, Top O’ Hill Terrace. (Arlington Baptist College)

Top O' Hill Terrace, 3001 W. Division St. 
Top O’ Hill Terrace is located on the campus of Arlington Baptist College, but its history tells a spicier story. When it opened in the late 1920s, its restaurant and tea garden operated legitimately, while a casino and brothel operated illegally. Rest assured that you can visit Top O’ Hill Terrace safely (and legally!) on your Bankhead road trip.

Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau
1905 E. Randol Mill Rd.
800-342-4305
Visit Website

ARLINGTON MAP
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