Arlington, Tennessee encyclopedia topics

Early History

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.

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.

Geography

Arlington is located at (35.277689, -89.673273).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 20.4 square miles (52.9 km²), of which, 20.4 square miles (52.9 km²) of it is land and 0.05% is water.

Demographics

A of the census of 2000, there were 2,569 people, 794 households, and 669 families residing in the town. The population density was 125.8 people per square mile (48.6/km²). There were 928 housing units at an average density of 45.4/sq mi (17.5/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 74.23% White, 23.01% African American, 0.47% Native American, 0.62% Asian, 0.54% from other races, and 1.13% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.13% of the population.

There were 794 households out of which 42.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.1% were married couples living together, 13.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 15.7% were non-families. 12.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.88 and the average family size was 3.15.

In the town the population was spread out with 26.1% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 37.6% from 25 to 44, 22.6% from 45 to 64, and 8.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 97.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.8 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $52,870, and the median income for a family was $55,602. Males had a median income of $38,438 versus $29,138 for females. The per capita income for the town was $19,569. About 3.1% of families and 11.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.4% of those under age 18 and 23.2% of those age 65 or over.

Arlington is home to a growing number of vibrant small businesses including Cover to Cover Bookstore, The Common Ground Coffee Bar, The Salon at Arlington, Vinegar Jim's restaurant, Tast-T-O's Donut Shop, The Happy Heart children's clothing store, Classic Trends, AutoZone, and S.Y. Wilson's general store.

Arlington also boosts a vibrant town festival the last Saturday in April called "Arlington in April" in which local merchants and craft dealers gather to promote the small town culture that still thrives in Arlington.