Arlington Comprehensive Plan Update Adopted 3-17-2015 | Page 59

Historic Preservation
Arlington’s history is multifaceted,
with its identity evolving since
1841. Beginning with the Bird’s Fort
settlement in far north Arlington,
many small communities began to
appear in the area including Marrow
Bone Spring, Johnson Station, Watson,
Webb, and Tate Springs. When the
Texas and Pacific Railroad arrived in
1876, Arlington sealed its location as
an advantageous midpoint between
Fort Worth and Dallas. Over time
it has been a frontier outpost, an
agricultural center, a site of Indian
battles, and a tourist destination. It
once was famed for its mineral waters
and horse racing and has long been a
college town. Today, numerous major
corporations call it home. Although
many of Arlington’s historic resources
are located in the Downtown area,
several important buildings and sites
are located throughout the city.

attractiveness. Historic sites or
structures can be integrated into
public areas such as plazas, parks, trails,
and open space to provide educational
opportunities. When possible, historic
buildings can be utilized in their
original capacity as a house, school, or
office building, or carefully adapted
to accommodate current needs.
Preservation seeks to capitalize upon
and nurture those distinctive places,
neighborhoods, and landscapes that
make our city unique and defines our
cultural identity.

Historic preservation provides
educational, aesthetic, economic,
and cultural benefits. It also enhances
the city’s interest, livability, and
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