The Hill: Stories of Community and Resilience in Arlington

Image: Mount Olive Baptist Church, 1920. J. W. Dunlop Photograph Collection, University of Texas at Arlington Libraries.

By Jason S. Sullivan, Arlington Historical Society

February is Black History Month, a time to recognize and reflect on the contributions and experiences of Black communities across the country and in Arlington. As part of our Arlington 150 blog series in partnership with the Arlington Historical Society, we are sharing the history of The Hill and its lasting impact on our city.

Much of Arlington’s Black history is rooted in The Hill, a five-block area whose borders generally encompass Sanford, West, Prairie, and Taylor streets. Initially northwest of downtown, the area was later absorbed as the city expanded. For much of its history, The Hill was segregated from the rest of Arlington, both socially and physically. A vibrant community emerged through the decades with homes, churches, schools, and small businesses. It offered a safe, close-knit environment when people needed it most. It undoubtedly had challenges, and at the core of its existence was segregation, but it was home for many. Black residents often affectionately called it "L.A." or Little Arlington, as it functioned as a city within a city.

The Hill grew as it attracted residents from Johnson Station and nearby Freedmen’s settlements such as Mosier Valley. In post-slavery America, Black residents found safety in numbers, drawing strength from family and faith. By the 1890s, churches became pillars of the small community. Mount Olive Baptist Church, Arlington Church of God in Christ, and Armstrong Chapel AME were all organized then and remain active today. Although Pastor Norman L. Robinson began ministering at Mount Olive in the 1960s when The Hill had started to dissolve, his leadership through the Civil Rights Movement and the decades afterward was monumental. In 1992, the city renamed a section of West Street near the church "N.L. Robinson Drive" as a testament to his impact. Mount Olive remains one of the largest churches in Arlington.

Education was deeply valued despite systemic hurdles. The first Black school, established in the 1890s, evolved into the Booker T. Washington School by the 1950s. Because AISD did not provide high school education for Black students until laws made it mandatory, many traveled to I.M. Terrell High School in Fort Worth to finish their studies. Teachers—often overqualified due to limited employment opportunities elsewhere—became vital mentors and role models. Notable educators included Gloria Echols, Richard Simpson, and George Stevens, the school's principal and namesake of a city park on Sanford Street.

Venues like Lou's Blue Lounge—operated by "Matriarch of The Hill" Lou Henry Taylor—and the Dragnet Club were more than hangouts. Located on Indiana Street, they often featured live music that gave the area a vibrant soul. A young B.B. King once played at Lou's Blue Lounge in the 1950s; he and other performers welcomed the intimate clubs that offered safe passage between larger cities. Small businesses, including barbershops and domino parlors, thrived alongside these venues.

However, Arlington and The Hill began to change after World War II, particularly with the 1954 arrival of the General Motors Assembly Plant. GM was one of the first major employers in Arlington to offer well-paying jobs to Black men, and the plant's construction spurred new housing opportunities. Though desegregation later led residents elsewhere, both in and out of Arlington, The Hill remains a proud testament to resilience and a sobering reminder of segregation. While it's now more of a neighborhood than a self-contained community, Arlington memorializes its legacy through Texas Historical Markers, street names, and a city park.

Although The Hill was Arlington’s most significant Black community, it wasn’t the only one. As The Hill became more densely populated, Tolliver’s Acres attracted families with larger lots, while Roger’s Pasture offered a more rural farmland setting. The Hill was closely interconnected with other North Texas Black communities, including Mosier Valley (Euless), Bear Creek (Irving), Stop Six and Como (Fort Worth), South Dalworth Park (Grand Prairie), and countless others. These communities depended on each other for support.

A documentary titled Echoes From The Hill premiered in 2022, telling its story and showcasing some of its heritage. At a screening, Dr. Ed Gray, a sociologist and previous Arlington resident, said that there were “a million ‘hills’ in America” and “a million stories to tell,” referring to The Hill and communities like it around the country. These stories—and the people behind them—are a vital part of the history of both Arlington and America. 

Did you know?

As for the name, many believe "The Hill" was used as a geographic descriptor. Imagine driving north on West Street: the road dips as you go under the railroad tracks at the West Street Bridge. Although the "hill" you climb today is brief, the area would have been much more sparsely populated then, making the landscape’s elevation much more noticeable. Additionally, the name metaphorically describes the uphill struggles and eventual successes of those who lived there.

About the Author

Jason S. Sullivan is a blogger exploring the past and present of Arlington. He has also contributed several local history articles to the City of Arlington's website. As a board member, newsletter editor, and social media manager for the Arlington Historical Society, he is instrumental in sharing local history and preserving stories for future generations. In 2023, he received the Debbie Reynolds-Hazen Award, recognizing a younger individual for leadership in collecting and preserving Tarrant County's history. Visit his blog at JasonSSullivan.com.