Arlington’s History

Mystery Game Sheet

 What happened in Arlington before you got here?  Haven’t got a clue?  Get the family together and play our Arlington’s History Mystery game.  Enjoy a tour of the city and learn more about the place where you live. 

Fill in the answers to the following questions and return the completed game sheet to any Arlington Public Library by February 23.   (click here for a printable version)

1. What local college occupies the site of a former gambling casino? 
   Arlington Baptist College

2. How many mayors has Arlington had?
   25 individuals, 29 if you include the ones who served more than once.

3. How many mayors have served more than once?  four

4. Historic Fielder House is located at 1616 W. Abram.  It is headquarters for the Arlington Historical Society and provides a look at life in Arlington as it used to be.  One of the exhibits is a large model steam engine.  How much does it weigh?  275 pounds  What type of office is exhibited in the west room on the second floor?   Doctor’s office

5. The Knapp Heritage Park (201 W. Front Street) contains three historic buildings built in the 1800s.  Which one doesn’t have a chimney? The school house

6. Lake Arlington was created in the 1950s to ensure an adequate supply of water for the city.  On what date did it first reach full capacity?  April 27, 1957 according to the plaque at Richard Simpson park. Any answer involving the year 1957 will be accepted.

7. If you want to see monkeys these days, you have to drive to Fort Worth or Dallas.  Where in Arlington could you find monkeys eighty years ago?   Meadowbrook Park

8. Who is considered to be the “Father of Tarrant County?”  Col. Middleton Tate Johnson

9. Caddo Indians had a large settlement in the area before Anglo settlers pushed them out.  What is the name of the waterway alongside which they camped?  Village Creek

10. In the early Twentieth Century, Arlington was famous for its mineral waters.  A fountain was built in the center of town where people could obtain this water.  Where was it located?  Center and Main

11. What is the name of the earliest Anglo settlement in Tarrant County? 
    Bird’s Fort

12. What year did Six Flags Over Texas open?  1961

13. How many name changes has The University of Texas at Arlington had? eight

14. Arlington does not currently have any form of mass transportation but years ago people could ride the Interurban Trolley.  What street did it run on?  Abram Street

Participants who get all answers correct will receive a small prize.  Winners will be notified by e-mail or phone and can pick up their award at the Jim Gatewood speaking event at the George W. Hawkes Central Library on February 28 or at their local branch library after March 1.  One prize package per family.  Correct answers will be posted on the library’s web page on February 25.