
Arlington is a town in the
U.S. state
In the United States, a state is a constituent political entity, of which there are 50. Bound together in a political union, each state holds governmental jurisdiction over a separate and defined geographic territory where it shares its so ...
of Tennessee. It is one of the seven municipalities in
Shelby County. The town was officially incorporated as Haysville in 1878 and again as Arlington in 1900. The population was 2,569 at the
2000 census, 11,517 at the
2010 census,
and 14,549 at the
2020 Census. From 2010 until 2020 the town's population grew by 26.33%.
Government
According to the town's official website, Arlington follows a general law Mayor-Aldermanic charter and is governed by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BMA), the members of which are elected to 4-year terms.
The current mayor is Mike Wissman, who was originally elected in September 2011 and is serving his 4th term. The current Vice Mayor is Harry McKee. Arlington has six alderman: Larry Harmon, Dwight Barker, Jeff McKee, Oscar Brooks, Harry McKee, and Jeremy Biggs.
Within the Arlington government, there are 9 recognized boards and committees: Board of Zoning Appeals, Design Review Committee, Finance Committee, Health & Safety Committee, Industrial Development Board, Library Board, Parks and Recreation Committee, Planning Commission, and the Board of Education (
Arlington Community Schools).
History
Early Settlement and Founding
The area now known as Arlington, Tennessee, was originally inhabited by the
Chickasaw Nation
The Chickasaw Nation () is a federally recognized Indigenous nation with headquarters in Ada, Oklahoma, in the United States. The Chickasaw Nation descends from an Indigenous population historically located in the southeastern United States, in ...
. Following the
Treaty of Tuscaloosa, this territory, along with other parts of
West Tennessee
West Tennessee is one of the three Grand Divisions of Tennessee that roughly comprises the western quarter of the state. The region includes 21 counties between the Tennessee and Mississippi rivers, delineated by state law. Its geography consists ...
, was ceded to the United States. On November 24, 1819, Shelby County was established, named in honor of
Isaac Shelby
Isaac Shelby (December 11, 1750 – July 18, 1826) was an American politician and military officer who was the List of governors of Kentucky, first and fifth Governor of Kentucky and served in the state legislatures of Virginia and North Ca ...
, a commissioner involved in the treaty negotiations, a veteran of the
American Revolutionary War
The American Revolutionary War (April 19, 1775 – September 3, 1783), also known as the Revolutionary War or American War of Independence, was the armed conflict that comprised the final eight years of the broader American Revolution, in which Am ...
, and the first governor of
Kentucky
Kentucky (, ), officially the Commonwealth of Kentucky, is a landlocked U.S. state, state in the Southeastern United States, Southeastern region of the United States. It borders Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio to the north, West Virginia to the ...
. By the 1830s, the nascent community comprised fewer than 20 settlers.
Establishment of Withe Depot and Economic Growth
By 1856, the population had increased to approximately 200 residents. Agriculture, particularly
cotton farming, was the dominant economic activity, necessitating reliable transportation for shipping goods. In response, Withe Depot was constructed on land donated by General
Samuel J. Hays, a nephew of
President Andrew Jackson, strategically served by the
Memphis, Clarksville and Louisville Railroad. The depot became a critical shipping point, primarily for cotton, to support the agricultural economy of the region. In recognition of General Hays’s substantial land donation, the community was subsequently named Haysville.
The railroad infrastructure significantly shaped Haysville's development and connectivity. A local train, colloquially referred to as "The Accommodation," became a vital link for residents commuting to
Memphis for work and school. Anecdotes from the period suggest that the train’s crew, including the engineer, flagman, and conductor, were familiar with the daily passengers, occasionally slowing the train to accommodate late arrivals running from their homes to board.
Impact of the Civil War and Subsequent Recovery
The onset of the
American Civil War
The American Civil War (April 12, 1861May 26, 1865; also known by Names of the American Civil War, other names) was a civil war in the United States between the Union (American Civil War), Union ("the North") and the Confederate States of A ...
brought considerable disruption to Haysville. Many local men enlisted to fight in the conflict, and a significant number did not return, affecting the town's population and growth trajectory. In 1872, following the war, land owned by the estate of General Hays was subdivided and sold at public auction. Streets in the new layout were named to honor notable figures such as
Bishop Charles Quintard,
President Andrew Jackson,
Colonel Robert I. Chester, and
General Nathan Bedford Forrest. The first residential structure was constructed by Captain Henry Munger Pitman, who served as the depot agent.
Incorporation and Public Health Measures
Haysville was formally incorporated on February 10, 1878, with W.B. Nolley elected as its first mayor. During this period, an outbreak of
yellow fever prompted local authorities to enforce a
quarantine
A quarantine is a restriction on the movement of people, animals, and goods which is intended to prevent the spread of disease or pests. It is often used in connection to disease and illness, preventing the movement of those who may have bee ...
, restricting entry to the town in an effort to prevent the spread of the epidemic. The town’s early leaders, including subsequent mayors H.Y. Marley, Dr. J.P. Bone, W.I. Hooks, and C.C. Poole, were instrumental in guiding the community through this public health crisis.
Renaming to Arlington and Late 19th-Century Expansion
In 1883, the need for a local post office led town officials to discover that a "Haysville" post office already existed within the state. Captain Henry Pitman suggested renaming the town "Arlington," inspired by
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery is the largest cemetery in the United States National Cemetery System, one of two maintained by the United States Army. More than 400,000 people are buried in its 639 acres (259 ha) in Arlington County, Virginia.
...
in
Virginia
Virginia, officially the Commonwealth of Virginia, is a U.S. state, state in the Southeastern United States, Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic (United States), Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States between the East Coast of the United States ...
.
The inaugural school in the town, Memphis District High School, was established in January 1884 by the
Memphis Conference of Methodist Church. It was situated on the site that is presently known as Hughes-College Hill Park.
By this time, the population had reached 500 residents, and the town’s economy had diversified to include a
steam sawmill,
gristmill
A gristmill (also: grist mill, corn mill, flour mill, feed mill or feedmill) grinds cereal grain into flour and Wheat middlings, middlings. The term can refer to either the grinding mechanism or the building that holds it. Grist is grain that h ...
,
steam cotton gin,
livery stable
A livery yard, livery stable or boarding stable, is a stable where horse owners pay a weekly or monthly fee to keep their horses. A livery or boarding yard is not usually a riding school and the horses are not normally for hire (unless on wor ...
,
general stores, and four
churches. By the close of the 19th century, Arlington had expanded its infrastructure to include a dedicated
post office
A post office is a public facility and a retailer that provides mail services, such as accepting letter (message), letters and parcel (package), parcels, providing post office boxes, and selling postage stamps, packaging, and stationery. Post o ...
, a
physician’s practice, a
druggist
A pharmacist, also known as a chemist in Commonwealth English, is a healthcare professional who is knowledgeable about preparation, mechanism of action, clinical usage and legislation of medications in order to dispense them safely to the pu ...
, a
lumber store, a
meat market, and an
undertaker's establishment.
Arlington was re-incorporated in December 1900 with a population of around 600. Early mayors included notable figures such as Will Taylor, Charles McAuley, C.W. Bond, Sam Tucker Wilson, and Jimmy Henry, who played key roles in the town's governance and development.
Preservation of Historical Landmarks
Arlington has made a concerted effort to preserve its historical heritage. Prominent landmarks include the Rachel H.K. Burrows Museum, the S.Y. Wilson & Company building, the Blacksmith Shop, and the Historic Post Office. Additionally, a replica of the original 19th-century railroad depot was constructed in 2003, now serving as the Arlington Senior Citizens Center. Several historic residential structures remain intact, showcasing the architectural styles of the period.
Geography
According to the
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau, officially the Bureau of the Census, is a principal agency of the Federal statistical system, U.S. federal statistical system, responsible for producing data about the American people and American economy, econ ...
, the town has a total area of , of which is land and is water.
Demographics
2020 Census
As of the
2020 United States census, there were 14,549 people, 3,560 households, and 3,046 families residing in the town.
2010 Census
At the
2010 census, there were 11,517 people, and 3,739 households. The population density was . The
racial composition of the town was 81.24% White, 13.84% African American, 0.16% Native American, 1.80% Asian, 0.86% from other races, 2.08% from two or more races, and 0.02% from Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.98%.
Of the 3,907 households, 35.23% were 1-2 person occupied, 48.02% were 3-4 person occupied, 15.32% were 5-6 person occupied, 1.42% were 7 or more person households, and 4.2% were listed as unoccupied. With the 3,907 households owned in Arlington, they are estimated to have a median value of $217,300.
The age distribution was 37.53% under the age of 18, 3.47% from 18 to 24, 35.62% from 25 to 44, 19.20% from 45 to 64, and 4.19% 65 or older.
The median age was 32.2 years. The population was 49% male and 51% female.
From 2013 to 2017, Arlington's estimated household income was predicted to be $99,404. This has increased since 2009, when the household income was estimated to be $85,779.
2000 Census
At the
2000 census, there were 2,569 people, 794 households, and 669 families in the town. The population density was . There were 928 housing units at an average density of . The
racial composition of the town was 74.23% White, 23.01% African American, 0.47% Native American, 0.62% Asian, 0.54% from other races, and 1.13% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.13%.
Of the 794 households, 42.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.1% were married couples living together, 13.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 15.7% were non-families. 12.2% of households were one person and 5.7% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.88 and the average family size was 3.15.
The age distribution was 26.1% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 37.6% from 25 to 44, 22.6% from 45 to 64, and 8.0% 65 or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.8 males.
The median household income was $52,870 and the median family income was $55,602. Males had a median income of $38,438 versus $29,138 for females. The per capita income for the town was $19,569. About 3.1% of families and 11.3% of the population were below the
poverty line
The poverty threshold, poverty limit, poverty line, or breadline is the minimum level of income deemed adequate in a particular country. The poverty line is usually calculated by estimating the total cost of one year's worth of necessities for ...
, including 4.4% of those under age 18 and 23.2% of those age 65 or over.
Arts and culture
Civic Events and Community Traditions
Depot Square has historically served as the focal point for community gatherings and events. The "Brunswick Stew" town reunion was a longstanding tradition that brought together residents for many years. In recent decades, the town has hosted several popular events, including "Arlington in April," "Music on the Square," "Harvest Gathering," and the annual Christmas Parade. These events continue to foster a sense of community and celebrate Arlington’s cultural and historical legacy.
Education
Arlington is served by
Arlington Community Schools. As of 2013, the school district has a student-teacher ratio of 18:1.
There are four schools located within the municipality of Arlington:
*Arlington Elementary School: K-5
*Donelson Elementary School: K-5
*Arlington Middle School: 6-8
*
Arlington High School: 9-12
Arlington Community schools was created in 2014, and it began with an enrollment of 4,907 students.
Notable people
*
Jonathan Bowlan (born 1996), Major League Baseball pitcher
*
Latasha Byears (born 1973), professional basketball player
*
Clay Crosse (born 1967), Christian music artist
*
Cody Fowler (1892–1978), attorney
*
James Ernest Karnes (1889–1966), U.S. Army Sergeant
*
Kenneth Walker III (born 2000), professional football player
References
External links
Town of Arlington official websiteArlington Chamber of Commerce official website
{{authority control
1878 establishments in Tennessee
1900 establishments in Tennessee
Memphis metropolitan area
Populated places established in 1830
Towns in Shelby County, Tennessee
Towns in Tennessee