Arlington is a town in Shelby County, Tennessee, United States. The population was 2,569 at the 2000 census. It is one of seven municipalities in Shelby County.
Arlington has been called Shelby County’s best-kept secret, as it has remained a small quiet rural Town for two centuries. Despite its recent growth, the tranquility prevails in the neighborhoods while star-filled skies outshine street lamps.
Settlers came in the area in the 1830’s and many of their descendants still live in the town. Originally known as Haysville, the town was named after the original landowner, Samuel Jackson Hays, a nephew of President Andrew Jackson. The area began to grow with the development of the Memphis and Ohio railroad and the creation of Withe Depot within its boundaries. By 1856, about two hundred people called Haysville home, but growth ceased with the onset of the Civil War as our native sons joined The Cause, many never to return. Another nearby disaster, the outbreak of Yellow Fever in Memphis in 1878, also contributed to the stagnant population as the town fathers quarantined this area, forbidding outsiders from entering the town.
S.Y. Wilson Co.Inc.In 1883, the name of the town was changed to Arlington, a name suggested by Captain Henry Pitman. He had visited the national cemetery in Arlington, Virginia and thought it was the most beautiful spot on Earth.
The community received its charter from the State of Tennessee in December 1900, then with a population of slightly over 600. Like many small communities, Arlington suffered losses during the World Wars; the 1950 census shows only 465 residents, and the 1960 census lists 651. Arlington had 1,742 residents on its centennial. A special census conducted in early 2004 revealed that Arlington is currently home to over 5,000 people.
First Settlement
Settlers came in the area in the 1830’s and many of their descendants still live in Town. Originally known as Haysville, the Town was named after the original landowner, Samuel Jackson Hays, a nephew of President Andrew Jackson. The area began to grow with the development of the Memphis and Ohio railroad and the creation of Withe Depot within its boundaries. By 1856, about two hundred people called Haysville home, but growth ceased with the onset of the Civil War as our native sons joined The Cause, many never to return. Another nearby disaster, the outbreak of Yellow Fever in Memphis in 1878, also contributed to the stagnant population as the Town fathers quarantined this area, forbidding outsiders from entering the Town.
In 1883, the name of the Town was changed to Arlington, a name suggested by Captain Henry Pitman. He had visited the national cemetery in Virginia and thought it was the most beautiful spot on the earth. Arlington is probably the only Town named for a cemetery!
The community received its charter from the State of Tennessee in December 1900, then with a population of slightly over 600. Like many small communities, Arlington suffered losses during the World Wars; the 1950 census shows only 465 residents, and the 1960 census lists 651. Arlington had 1,742 residents on its centennial. A special census conducted in early 2004 revealed that Arlington is currently home to over 5,000 people.
Community Development
A real treat for the early citizens of Arlington was to board a westbound train for Memphis, sometimes becoming an overnight adventure in the big city. But, residents did not have a real need to visit the bigger city; the necessities of life could be found within its own Town square.
By the end of the 19th Century, the community boasted its own post office, physician, druggist, cotton gin, lumber store, several general stores, a blacksmith, a meat market, and an undertaker. The center of Town then, as it is today, was S.Y. Wilson & Co. In the early 1900’s, it furnished for its customers practically everything imaginable – meat, groceries, sewing notions, clothes, feed and seed. (Today it is primarily a hardware, feed and seed store.) Long-standing residents can attest to the changes that have been made.
This little historical town may no longer be a best-kept secret, but its people and its charm will continue to remind us all that we must preserve our past while planning our future.
Places of Interest
Arlington is a town rich in history and heritage. This fact is evident when exploring the many historical landmarks and places of interest scattered throughout Arlington. Much can be learned about the history of the town when visiting these locations.
Rachel H.K. Burrows Museum
A charming collection of local memorabilia and historical items is housed in this one room building that was built as a bank in 1905 and also once served as Arlington's library. The museum is listed on the National Register for Historical Places.
Location: Corner of Chester Street and Walker Street.
S.Y. Wilson & Company
For well over a century "Wilson's Store" has stood at the center of Arlington’s commercial and social life. Founded in 1893, it is the second oldest continuously operating business in Shelby County, TN. Currently operated by fourth generation descendents of founder Samuel Young Wilson, S.Y. Wilson is a landmark in Arlington.
Location: In the heart of Depot Square
Blacksmith Shop
Complete with a brick forge, a bellows from the 1800's and many other carpentry essentials, this shop is one of the few working blacksmith shops in the United States. The shop is a feature attraction when demonstrations are given during the annual "Arlington in April" festival.
Location: In the heart of Depot Square near S.Y. Wilson's store.
Historic Post Office
This post office, built in 1900, is now a museum of postal items and memorabilia honoring local citizens who served in the armed forces. The building is also listed on the National Register for Historical Places.
Location: Corner of Chester Street and Walker Street.
Senior Citizens Center
The Arlington Senior Citizens Center opened in 2003 to serve as a gathering place for Arlington's senior citizens. The building, which was newly constructed in the summer of 2003, is a replica of Arlington's original railroad depot station from the late 1800's.
Location: 6265 Chester Street in Depot Square.
For More Information: Senior Citizens Center
Memphis/Shelby County Visitor Center
Opened in 2003, the visitor center welcomes tourists and other visitors traveling west into Memphis and Shelby County. The center features a staffed information desk, brochures, restrooms, and a gift shop. The center also houses a conference room and banquet room with full-service kitchen that are available to rent for receptions, meetings, and other events.
Playground of Dreams
In the summer of 2006, Arlington residents and other volunteers from surrounding communities joined together to construct the "Playground of Dreams", a community playground conceived, planned, and named by the children of Arlington. With the help of Leathers & Associates, a New York-based design firm specializing in community-built projects, children's ideas were gathered and combined to generate design plans for the Playground of Dreams. Following months of planning and fundraising by the Playground Committee, the community came together in August 2006 to physically construct the playground during an aggressive 1-week period.
The Arlington Branch Library has been renamed by the Arlington Library Board as the Sam T. Wilson Public Library in honor of the late, Mayor Sam T. Wilson.
The Town of Arlington wishes to honor one of its most outstanding citizens for his lifelong dedication to the community and its citizens.
We recognize the many contributions Mayor Sam T. Wilson made to the Town of Arlington, in addition to his terms as Mayor from 1970 to 1986.
We acknowledge Mayor Sam's service and dedication to his country as a decorated veteran of World War II, and Whereas, we are proud that he remained in Arlington to continue to run the general store, S.T. Wilson's General Merchandise, started by his grandfather in 1893 and which is now operated by his daughter, Susan Wilson Hoggard.
The Town of Arlington is honored to have such a dedicated individual working to build a better future for our community.
Now, therefore, I Russell L. Wiseman, Mayor of Arlington, do hereby proclaim May 24, 2005 as,
Sam Wilson Day in Arlington, Tennessee.