The history of Arlington, Texas, extends back to 1876, a time when this burgeoning town appointed its first mayor, Carver Dixon King. He is a figure wrapped in the mantle of "Uncle Dutch," an endearment bestowed for his reputation of honor and level-headed decision-making. According to the City of Arlington, King brought to the role not just civic dedication but also a personal touch that marked his multiple terms and his work within the community after his tenure.
Tracing his roots back to Tennessee in 1843, King would go on to fight in the Civil War, followed by a move to Texas in 1875 — forever changing Arlington's trajectory. As detailed by an article on Arlington's official website, his service record includes two stints as mayor, from 1876 to 1881 and once more in 1899 for a brief two-month period, in addition to 13 terms as Justice of the Peace. Contributing to civic life, he owned a grocery store and icehouse and served as a notary.
King's life carried personal flourishes as well. With two marriages, the family man fathered two children from his first union. Upon his death on Oct. 27, 1930, he left behind a community that would gather en masse to honor his memory. The City of Arlington remembers King not only through the crowd that attended his funeral, but with a Texas Historical Marker situated at 301 E. North St., signifying where his home once stood. The marker is a physical testament to his legacy and service to the Arlington people.
