Central Arlington in Tarrant County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

The Interurban

Photographed by Jason Sullivan, April 6, 2024

1. The Interurban Marker

Inscription. Arlington was connected to many North Texas destinations by the North Texas Traction Company Interurban from 1902 until 1938. At one point there were 500 miles of interurban track in Texas, of which 70 percent were in North Texas. The Arlington section ran along Abram Street, and a depot was located on the southwest corner of the Center/Abram intersection. The 35-mile long Dallas-Fort Worth route initially provided a lengthy ride, with the electrically powered cars traveling at eight miles per hour. By 1923 the speed had increased to 65 miles per hour. The power generating plant and maintenance shops were located at Handley, then a small town but now part of east Fort Worth. Like today's Trinity Rail Express, the Interurban was popular with commuters. In addition, it was used for weekend pleasure excursions. The traction company built a trolley park called "Lake Erie" at Handley, which featured a pavilion with roller skating, dancing, and a restaurant. Boating and swimming were also available. The fare from Arlington was five cents.

Captions
Looking east along the Interurban tracks.
Photo courtesy of the Arlington Historical Society.

Interurban train depot and trolley car on the corner of Abram and Center.
Photo courtesy of the Arlington Historical Society.

Map

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showing the Interurban route.
Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress American Memory Collection

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1902.

Location. 32° 44.121′ N, 97° 6.424′ W. Marker is in Arlington, Texas, in Tarrant County. It is in Central Arlington. It is at the intersection of S. Center Street and Abram Street, on the left when traveling south on S. Center Street. The marker is located on the sidewalk near the intersection of Abram Street and Center Street; it is affixed to a streetlight pole. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 224 S Center Street, Arlington TX 76010, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region

and in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Andrew Hayter (within shouting distance of this marker); Colonel Neel E. Kearby (within shouting distance of this marker); City of Arlington (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Baptist Church of Arlington (about 500 feet away); Arlington Post Office (about 600 feet away); Arlington Texas & Pacific Depot and Platform (about 800 feet away); Arlington Texas & Pacific Railroad Train Depot (about 800 feet away); a

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different marker also named Arlington Texas & Pacific Railroad Train Depot (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Arlington.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 18, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 17, 2024, by Jason Sullivan of Arlington, Texas. This page has been viewed 517 times since then and 62 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on April 17, 2024, by Jason Sullivan of Arlington, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide view photo of the marker and the surrounding area together in context. • Can you help?