Arlington Heritage Memorial Grounds is located on the 600 block of West Arkansas Lane, Arlington, Texas.  The grounds are what were originally three separate cemeteries, The Middleton Tate Johnson family cemetery (est. 1850), The Mill Branch Cemetery (est. 1850) and The Colored Cemetery (est. 1900).  The last burials in the cemeteries occurred during the 1950’s.

It is impossible to understand the success of Arlington in its entirety without understanding from whence it came. These historical burial grounds are the location of the grave of Colonel Middleton Tate Johnson who is known as the Father of Tarrant County and was further distinguished as one of the most prominent Texans of his time. He was originally interred in the State Cemetery in Austin, but later was moved to this location in Arlington on the grounds of his former homestead, among family members. An official State of Texas commemorative headstone marks his final resting place. Other pioneers who worked the land, harvested wheat, corn and cotton, and launched trade in building the local economy were laid to their final rest here as well. Finally, these grounds were, at the time, the only available location for burial of Arlington’s black citizens. These cemeteries had been loved from afar, but neglected for decades. A significant portion of the history of Arlington can be traced to this long-forgotten corner of town which could rightly be considered the birthplace of our city. 

For decades, the cemeteries intermittently garnered attention, but there was no consistent maintenance.  Finally, in August 2017, prompted by Arlington’s leading historian, Geraldine Mills, Director of Arlington Historical Society, community leaders including current and former office holders and community volunteers came together to form the Arlington Heritage Memorial Grounds committee.  The committee lead the charge in upgrading the cemetery to a condition appropriate for its historical significance as the first resting place of the pioneers who settled our community.  The committee, after a year of work recognized that a legal entity must be formed in order to raise the required funds for appropriate improvements to the cemetery.  A nonprofit corporation, Arlington Heritage Memorial Grounds Corporation, was formed in October of 2018.   A groundbreaking ceremony was held in February of 2019 and work began in earnest.  Funds were raised and much work was completed, bringing the cemetery into a condition that honors the lives of those buried there.

The Arlington Heritage Memorial Grounds committee worked with and supported the board of directors of Arlington Heritage Memorial Grounds Corporation to hold fundraising events, complete extensive research, locate unmarked graves and much more. Installation of grave markers, walkways, flag poles, signage, and parking is complete. Ongoing maintenance will allow visitors to experience, firsthand, the living history of the site. A significant addition to the site is the installation of QR codes on pedestals that allow visitors to directly access the compelling historical details of the lives of those buried at the site. This interactive mobile technology will empower and enable educational outreach, self-guided tours, and heritage tourism so knowledge of Arlington’s earliest citizens is never lost again. Arlington Heritage Memorial Grounds Corporation has forged an agreement with Arlington Independent School District to provide for educational opportunities through in-person, virtual, and on-site visits for teachers and students to experience the meaningful history associated with the cemetery and all who are buried there.

This rich history will now be preserved forever.