Arlington's 150-Year History Holds Lessons for Today

From a farming community to a gambling hub, Arlington's past has shaped its present.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Arlington, Texas, a city of over 400,000 people, is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2026. While many current residents may not be aware of the city's earliest history, it is a history that has greatly shaped who Arlington is today. From its origins as a train stop farming community to its time as a hub for illegal gambling, Arlington's past is full of stories that provide insight into the city's evolution.

Why it matters

Understanding Arlington's history can foster a greater sense of community pride and connection among its residents. The city's transformation from a farming town to a center of gambling and entertainment highlights how Arlington's identity has shifted over the decades, providing valuable lessons about the forces that have driven its development.

The details

Arlington began in 1876 as a train stop farming community, where farmers would bring their cotton and other crops to be shipped. In 1892, the city drilled a mineral well in the middle of the main intersection, which became a draw for visitors seeking the purported health benefits of the water. In 1902, an electric trolley system called the Interurban connected Arlington to Fort Worth and Dallas, making it an attractive commuter location. Arlington also had a notorious gambling history, with the Top O'Hill Terrace casino operating illegally behind hidden rooms and tunnels until it was shut down in the 1950s. Benny 'The Cowboy' Binion used his Arlington gambling earnings to open the famed Horseshoe Casino in Las Vegas. The city was also home to the Arlington Downs racetrack, which thrived after pari-mutuel betting was legalized in 1933 but declined when the law was repealed in 1937.

  • Arlington was founded in 1876 as a train stop farming community.
  • In 1892, the city drilled a mineral well in the middle of the main intersection.
  • An electric trolley system called the Interurban connected Arlington to Fort Worth and Dallas in 1902.
  • The Top O'Hill Terrace casino operated illegally in Arlington until it was shut down in the early 1950s.
  • Arlington Downs racetrack opened in 1929 and thrived after pari-mutuel betting was legalized in 1933, but declined when the law was repealed in 1937.

The players

O.K. Carter

A premier journalist and author of the most complete book on Arlington's history, "Caddos, Cotton and Cowboys: Essays on Arlington".

Benny 'The Cowboy' Binion

Used his earnings from gambling in Arlington to open the famed Horseshoe Casino in Las Vegas.

W.T. Waggoner

A millionaire who had a small ranch in Arlington and used it to open the Arlington Downs racetrack in 1929.

Angus G. Wynne, Jr.

A developer who bought the Arlington Downs ranch and used it for the creation of the Great Southwest Industrial Park and Six Flags Over Texas.

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What they’re saying

“We're bringing you the voices and legacies that make this city a cornerstone of Texas and a proud part of America's story.”

— O.K. Carter, Historian

What’s next

The city of Arlington is updating its website, arlingtontx.gov, with more information about the 150th anniversary celebration throughout the year.

The takeaway

Arlington's history, from its origins as a farming community to its time as a gambling hub, provides valuable insights into the forces that have shaped the city's identity over the past 150 years. By understanding this history, Arlington's residents can foster a greater sense of community pride and connection, and apply the lessons of the past to guide the city's future development.