Fielder Museum

Arlington Culture & Arts Discovery Day is coming up tomorrow. We have a scavenger hunt planned at Fielder, and we'll be doing cabin tours at Knapp. Come out and see us!

July 4th: 1884 style

This newspaper clipping—from the Fort Worth Daily Gazette on July 6, 1884—details Arlington's Independence Day celebration that year.

Arlington was founded in July 1876, yet it officially incorporated as a town in April 1884. As such, that year's July 4th celebration was likely a little more special than previous ones.

Arlington's July 4th in 1884 included speakers, music, flag-bearers, and a procession that was "long and interesting." And what's a celebration without provisions? As the article notes, there was more than enough food to feed the crowd! At the time, Arlington had a population of fewer than 500 people, and most of them likely gathered for the festivities.

Though our Independence Day celebrations are much larger now, in many ways, they're very similar to those of the pioneers—centered around community spirit, fellowship, parades, music, and food.

Happy Fourth of July!

Are you attending the Arlington Independence Day Parade tomorrow? With this year being Arlington's 150th anniversary and America's 250th, expect it to be extra patriotic!

The parade begins at 9:00 AM with a special ringing of Freedom Bells. For a full minute, bells will ring throughout Downtown Arlington in a celebration of freedom. Downtown churches will ring their bells, and we'll also be joining in at Knapp Heritage Park. Parade watchers are invited to bring their own bells as well! After the Arlington Community Band plays the National Anthem, the parade officially begins.

Make a day of it by visiting the Downtown Arlington Farmers Market and Knapp Heritage Park—we'll be open from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM with plenty of shade.

And, if it gets too hot outside, come over to Fielder Museum, open from noon to 3:30 PM.

Enjoy the festivities!

www.arlington4th.org