About the Arlington, Mansfield and Grand Prairie, Texas Area
Arlington
With the turning of the century, Arlington concentrated on progress and prosperity. The city's first house with running water was built on Pecan St. in 1904; the first natural gas line arrived in 1909.
The Interurban, an electric trolley system linking Arlington with Fort Worth and Dallas, as well as several smaller towns, started operation on July 2, 1902. This established Arlington, not for the last time, as a convenient home for commuters.
In 1901 Arlington College, founded in 1895, became Carlisle Military Academy and began the long trek that would at last result in its becoming the present-day University of Texas at Arlington. A mineral well, known for its curative properties, had been drilled in 1892 near the intersection of Center and Main Streets; in 1910 the Arlington Commercial Club (forerunner of the Chamber of Commerce) donated a drinking fountain and changed the large open water trough to a classically styled font with spouting lion's heads.
The worldwide influenza epidemic of 1918 diminished Arlington, as it did the rest of the nation. Already weakened by World War I, the city of less than 3,000 lost still more citizens to the "Spanish Flu." But by the 1920s things were looking up again. The city gained a number of businesses, including the city's second banking institution, the Arlington First National Bank. On January 17, 1920, the City Charter was adopted by the City Council. The first public library and first city park were established, and population growth necessitated a new high school, built in 1922.
But Arlington had become a "sportin' town" as well. In 1933 W.T. Waggoner opened his famous Arlington Downs racetrack--and was forced to close it in 1936, victim of the state's outlawing of pari-mutuel betting.
And Top O' The Hill Terrace became a famous gambling casino, complete with secret doors and passageways. In the 1940s it was sold and became a tearoom, until it was torn down and replaced by an administration building for Arlington Baptist College.
World War II brought more changes to the small city of Arlington: The North Texas Agricultural College (originally Arlington College) became a naval and marine officer training base, with almost 900 cadets receiving instruction. War bond rallies were held around the Mineral Well, long a public gathering place. But hectic as the war years were, more changes were to come.
In 1949, the City adopted the City-Manager form of government, which authorizes the City Council to function as the City's legislative body.
In 1951, 25-year-old Tom Vandergriff was elected Mayor by Arlington's nearly 8,000 residents. General Motors, influenced by Vandergriff, had already announced plans to open a new auto assembly plant in Arlington. The famed Mineral Well was deemed a traffic hazard, capped and paved over. Mayor Vandergriff, impressed by the phenomenal growth of Anaheim, California, encouraged the formulation and adoption of a master plan for the city—unusually far-seeing for 1954. By 1960, Arlington's population had grown by six-fold, reaching nearly 45,000. In 1966, Arlington State College severed its decades-long association with the Texas A&M system and joined the University of Texas system, becoming the University of Texas at Arlington.
With the opening of Six Flags Over Texas in 1961, Arlington entered a new era as a regional amusement park and sports center. In 1972 Turnpike Stadium, now known as Arlington Stadium, became home to the Texas Rangers Major League Baseball Team (formerly the Washington Senators). The city government and UTA greatly expanded in the 1970s and 1980s and built new facilities in the old downtown. By the mid-1980s, the city's population had soared to 250,000.
In 1987 Richard Greene was elected mayor of Arlington, and in 1991 the voters approved the construction of a new ballpark for the Texas Rangers. Smoking was prohibited in the public areas of retail and service establishments in Arlington. In 1993 the city announced a new curbside recycling program, and introduced a tree replacement program to counter losses due to development. In 1997, the largest capital improvements budget in the history of the city paved the way for $77 million in infrastructure and service improvements, and Elzie Odom was elected the new mayor of Arlington.
Six Flags Over Texas
I-30 at State Hwy. 360
(817) 640-8900, Ext. 2222
www.sixflags.com/parks/overtexas/home.asp
Six Flags Over Texas has defined family fun and Texas-sized thrills for over four decades and continues this strong tradition by soaring to new heights in 2003! From our Giant-sized coasters, to family-friendly rides and Broadway-style shows, guests of all ages can enjoy a larger than life entertainment experience that is distinctly and unforgettably Texas. New for 2003 we welcome a new Super Hero to FUN CENTRAL, Superman, Tower of Power, towering 315 feet into the sky!
The Ballpark in Arlington
1000 Ballpark Way
(817) 273-5222
The home of the Texas Rangers Baseball Club has been called the best baseball facility in the major leagues. The Ballpark is an attraction in itself and includes The Legends of the Game Baseball Museum and Children's Learning Center, a 17,000 sq. ft. facility that is the only one of its kind in professional sports. The Ballpark complex also includes the Dr Pepper Youth Ballpark, Grand Slam Gift Shop, Friday's Front Row Grill, and the Diamond Club. There are a large number of party and reception facilities available for rental in both The Ballpark and Museum and tours of the complex are given daily. For more information and admission fees for the Museum and Ballpark tours, call (817) 273-5099. For information on the Dr Pepper Youth Ballpark, call (817) 273-5269.
Texas Rangers
1000 Ballpark Way (I-30 at Hwy. 157)
(817) 273-5100
www.texasrangers.com
There's a new "Show" in town! Buck Showalter takes the helm of the Texas Rangers for the new season. One of only thirty cities with Major League Baseball, Arlington welcomes you to America's past time and The Ballpark in Arlington. Catch all the action as the always exciting Texas Rangers take on the World Series Champs in 2003. Join the crowd as we cheer on new traditions and welcome exciting, new talent ready to take the field with the incomparable Alex Rodriquez, winner of Major League Baseball's coveted Player's Choice Award – Best Player of 2002.
Hurricane Harbor
1800 E. Lamar Blvd.
(817) 265-3356
www.sixflags.com/parks/hurricaneharbordallas/home.asp
Hurricane Harbor, the largest and most complete water park in the Southwest, is celebrating 20 years of fun in the sun!
Packed with unique, water-oriented attractions like Hook's Lagoon,featuring three lagoons, a Pirate ship and 150 interactive aquatic features on 12 different levels-there is no way you can stay dry! Guests can also body board on Surf Rider located at Boogie Beach, catch a thrill on Sea Wolf-the tallest, fastest ride of its kind-or soak up the rays floating on the world's first Lazy River. With 3,000,000 gallons of water and 26 more slides, rides and pools to explore, Hurricane Harbor promises to keep you cool in the Hot,Hot,Hot Texas sun!
Johnnie High's Country Music
Arlington Music Hall - 224 N. Center Street
(corner of Center & Division)
(817) 226-4400, 1-800-540-5127
www.mid-cities.com/cmr
Voted Best Live Country Music Show of the Year for five years in row by Country Music Organizations of America, Johnnie High's offers warm, family-friendly entertainment and the opportunity to hear the stars of tomorrow. Produced since 1975, Johnnie High's has been the launch pad for a number of now famous country singers including Lee Ann Rimes. The live shows feature a cast of 20 singers, dancers and musicians performing with veteran guests and new comers. Weekend performances start at 7:30 p.m. in season.
Air Combat School
921 Six Flags Drive, #117
(817) 640-1886
www.aircombatschool.com
The top gun of entertainment, this school offers the opportunity to strap into a real jet fighter flight simulator made from an actual jet cockpit and engage in air combat maneuvers against various types of threats. You will turn and burn trying to stay "alive" in the arena where there are no points for second best.
The Palace of Wax and Ripley's Believe It or Not!
601 E. Safari Pkwy., I-30 at Beltline
(972) 263-2391
www.palaceofwax.com
This 41,000 sq. ft. double attraction offers two worlds of excitement and intrigue. The Palace of Wax features favorite movie stars and historical figures in amazing life-like detail. Special themed exhibits help recreate famous moments in time. Ripley's Believe It or Not! offers an eye-popping assortment of oddities and curiosities collected from around the world by famed cartoonist Robert Ripley. It's a double treat at a single location. Open daily, year round. Call for hours.
River Legacy Living Science Center
703 N.W. Green Oaks Blvd.
(817) 860-6752
www.riverlegacy.org
The Living Science Center offers a wide range of interactive environmental education exhibits, living aquaria and terria. Guided nature walks, animal presentations, and special outdoor education programs are scheduled year round. The Center's unique architectural style is a pioneering example of sustainable design.
Festival Marketplace Mall
2900 E. Pioneer Pkwy.,
(817) 213-1000, 1-877-877-FEST (3378)
A shop-a-holic's paradise with hundreds of unique shops. Group tours welcome. Enjoy year-round free entertainment. Wednesday-Saturday 10 am-8 pm, Sunday 12 noon-6 pm and special Holiday hours.
Traders Village
2602 Mayfield Road
(972) 647-2331
www.tradersvillage.com/gp1.html
Here's a Texas-size market place with a little bit of everything, all at bargain prices. Open every Saturday and Sunday, 8 am to dusk, with more than 1,800 dealers. Over two million people visit this market each year. Shopper conveniences include: ATM machine, stroller and wheelchair rental, kiddie rides and arcade games, special events, plus much more. You Gotta See This Place! RV Park, rated "10/10/9", open daily.
Arlington Skatium
5515 S. Cooper Street
(817) 784-6222
Roller skate at the largest skating center in Texas. We have a hard-wood, maple floor, video arcade, full concession stand and a large selection of fun and exciting music. Come and check out the ultimate skating experience. Located 1.1 miles south of The Parks at Arlington. Rollerblades welcome!
Putt-Putt Golf and Games
1701 E. Division Street
(817) 277-6501
2004 W. Pleasant Ridge Road (817) 467-6565
Championship putting courses and state-of-the-art game rooms provide the ultimate arcade experience with the latest video, pinball, and redemption games. The race track for go-carts was rated the #1 go-cart track in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Baseball and softball fans will enjoy a nine-cage batting range featuring slow pitch softball to very fast baseball (85 mph). And the concession area offers 16 flavors of ice cream.
Dyno-Rock Indoor Climbing Gym
608 E. Front Street
(817) 461-3966
www.dynorock.com
We provide one of nature's most exciting sports in a safe, controlled environment with full service. Climbing for all ages and skill levels. Open seven days a week.
AMF Arlington Lanes
1801 E. Lamar Blvd.
(817) 276-9898
24 championship lanes with automatic scoring, and bumper bowling on all lanes for the children. Concessions and a full service lounge. Facilities for parties and group functions available. Laser Tron, billiards, Glow Bowling (bowling with black lights, strobe lights, disco ball and music available during specific times), virtual reality and the latest in video games. Open seven days a week.
AMF Spare Time Lanes
3149 Cooper Street
(817) 465-4997, Metro (817) 467-0129
Arlington's family fun center, features a 40-lane bowling center with state-of-the-art equipment. Automatic scorekeeping, bumper bowling for children 3 to 6 years old and video game room. Restaurant and lounge with billiards. We cater to bowling parties, leagues and open play bowlers. Designated smoking areas. Call for lane availability.
Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie
1000 Lone Star Pkwy., Grand Prairie (Exit Belt Line north from I-30)
(972) 263-RACE
www.lonestarpark.com
Experience live thoroughbred and quarter horse racing next door in Grand Prairie. Beautiful track, clubhouse and viewing facilities and home to the 2004 Breeders Cup! 2003 season runs April 3 – July 13 for Thoroughbred Racing and October 3 – November 29 for Quarter Horse Racing. Tours and group packages available. Call or check www.lonestarpark.com for full racing calendar, ticket prices and post times.
Chelsea's Tea Room and Boutique
2421-C W. Park Row
(817) 267-8100
Chelsea's Tea Room and Boutique specializes in children's tea parties including makeup, invitations, birthday cake, story time and party favors. Children's clothing is available in girls - newborn to size 16 and boys - newborn to 4 toddler.
Mansfield
The first wave of settlers arrived in the rolling Cross Timber country of north central Texas in the 1840s. Primarily of Scotch-Irish origins, these pioneer farmers came for the most part, from southern states, following the frontier as it shifted west of the Mississippi. They entered an area where Indians had been living for thousands of years. The roving bands of Comanche posed a serious threat to the settlers, and in 1849, the U.S. Army established Fort Worth to protect the farms along the sparsely populated frontier.
The area southeast of the fort (and of the Trinity River) was well protected and presumably fairly well settled by the early 1850s. In one well-documented case, eight related families migrated to the area in 1853 from Illinois. Three of the four Gibson brothers in this group established homesteads about four miles northwest of present-day Mansfield. This settlement, which became known as the Gibson Community, included a school and a church building by 1860.
When R.S. Man and Julian Feild arrived around 1856 and built a grist mill at the crossroads that was to become the center of Mansfield, the beginnings of the community probably existed in the oak groves bordering Walnut Creek (originally called Cedar Bluff Creek). The Walnut Creek Congregation of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church had organized itself in 1854. Members had met in each other's homes, so it is suspected that there was a cluster of houses in the area.
In 1856, Julian Feild purchased 540 acres in the Mansfield area. Man and Feild completed their three-story brick grist mill sometime between 1856 and 1859. The mill, which produced flour and meal, was the first built north in North Texas to utilize steam power and enjoyed patronage as far south as San Antonio and as far north as Oklahoma. The location of the mill in southeastern Tarrant County perhaps reflects the advanced state of wheat cultivation in the area and the ready availability of wood to feed the mill's steam boilers.
Feild opened a general merchandise store at the same time as the mill, located across Broad Street. He built a log house for his family, which also served as an inn for travelers and customers. By 1860, the nucleus of the future city existed. The first post office was established that year, with Julian Feild as postmaster.
During the Civil War, the Man and Feild mill supplied meal and flour to the Confederate Soldiers Army, hauling it to Shreveport, Louisiana, and Jefferson, Missouri. As was common practice, they tithed ten percent of the mill's production to the Confederacy. The small community around the mill was unique in Tarrant County in that it prospered throughout the Civil War. "Feild's Freighters", assembled in ox-drawn wagon trains which went as far as Fort Sill, Oklahoma, were a past of the Indian Wars which raged in the southern plains in the late 1860s and 1870s.
The prospering community which had grown up around the Man and Feild mill took on the name of "Mansfeild", a combination of the names of the founders. Repeated misspellings over the years resulted in the acceptance of the conventional spelling of "Mansfield".
As the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex grew, the population of Mansfield increased from 1,375 in 1961 to 5,000 by 1974, when employees working in the larger neighboring cities transformed the town from a rural community into a modern suburb.
By 1982 Mansfield reported 8,000 residents and 227 businesses. It had 10,733 residents and 267 businesses in 1988. In 1990 it had a population of 15,607 and had grown into Ellis County.
MISD is the second fastest growing school district in Texas with a student population of more than 21,000. Strategically located in the heart of North Texas. MISD Spans 94.5 square miles in Tarrant and Johnson Counties, within city limits of Mansfield, south Arlington, west Grand Prairie and the community of Rendon.
MISD has a growth rate of 10 - 13 percent each year and is committed to excellence in education.
Grand Prairie
Incorporated as Grand Prairie in 1909, the community was first recognized as Dechman in 1863.
From his home in Birdville, Texas, Alexander McRae Dechman learned he could trade his oxen and wagons for land in Dallas County. So in 1861, he bought 239 and 1/2 acres on the east side of the Trinity River and 100 acres of timber land on the west side of the river for a broken down wagon, oxen team and $200 in Confederate money. He tried to establish a home on the property, but ran into difficulties, so returned his family to Birdville before joining the Civil War in 1861. In 1863 he filed a town plat consisting of 50 acres with Dallas County.
After the war, he returned to Birdville for two years before selling that farm in 1867 and moving to Houston, where Yellow Fever broke out, causing the family to settle in Bryan.
Back in Dechman, the post office was opened in 1874 under the name "Deckman" rather than "Dechman" because the U.S. Post Office couldn't read the writing on the form completed to open the post office.
In 1877, Dechman traded half his "prairie" property to T&P Railroad to ensure the railroad came through the town. The railroad named the depot "Dechman," prompting its namesake to relocate his home from Bryan to Dechman. His son, Alexander, had been living in Dechman and operating a trading post and farm.
The name of the town changed to Grand Prairie later in 1877. Dechman sold the remainder of his Grand Prairie land in 1890 and apparently moved to Waxahachie.
Grand Prairie incorporated as a city in 1909.
Grand Prairie's McFalls Park (formerly Cottonwood Park) features the Goodwin log cabin, a hideout of Bonnie and Clyde Parker's.
Today, Grand Prairie is 80 square miles and is ideally located between Dallas and Fort Worth. An estimated 127,000 people call Grand Prairie home. The average age of residents is 32 and the average price of a new home is $99,900.
Grand Prairie features Joe Pool Lake, Trader's Village, Ripley's Believe It or Not!, the GPX Skate Park, the Palace of Wax, Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie, the NextStage performance theater, the internationally regarded Greenhouse spa, and the city's Tangle Ridge Golf Course which ranked 12th best course in Texas by Golf Digest, and the popular Prairie Lakes Golf Course.
With 35 percent of Grand Prairie available for development and its prime location in the Metroplex, Grand Prairie has become a hotbed of economic development. Recent efforts have attracted more than 3,000 jobs and $150 million in investments.
- NUMBER1EXPERTS™ 
