Thursday, July 2, 2009

City of Arlington to unveil Andrew Hayter Historical Marker in Founders Plaza

By Pegasus News wire

On July 3 at 7 p.m. in Arlington's Founders Plaza (100 W. Abram St), a host of local dignitaries -- including Mayor Robert Cluck -- will be on hand, along with members of the Arlington Historical Society, to unveil and dedicate a historical marker in honor of Arlington pioneer Rev. Andrew Shannon Hayter.

Hayter was one of the earliest settlers in the area which became known as Arlington in 1876. He is considered to be the father of Arlington. A native of Tennessee, Hayter moved to Tarrant County in 1869 and became a preacher and land surveyor. A small settlement developed on the edge of his property, and he petitioned for a post office in 1875. The post office was called Hayterville. Hayter had already founded two churches, a school, and a Masonic Lodge when he was asked in 1876 to help locate the railroad through the eastern, most peaceful route of Tarrant County. He was asked to lay out a half-mile square settlement between Dallas and Fort Worth.

According to historians, railroad designers relied on Hayter for timber and surveying knowledge. When the work was done, the railroad offered to name the town Hayter, but the reverend declined the offer. He gave the town the name Arlington, which was the name of General Robert E. Lee’s Virginia estate. The birth of Arlington led to the demise of Hayterville, and the post office was moved to Arlington.

Participating in the dedication ceremony will be Arlington Mayor Robert Cluck, District 1 Council Member Mel LeBlanc, Arlington Parks Board Chair Lynn Healey, Ron Wright, Chief of Staff for Congressman Joe Barton, and a former Arlington City Council member. Other speakers include representatives of the Arlington Historical Society.

source: City of Arlington

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