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Mineral Well in Arlington Texas

Life in Arlington literally revolved around the “Old Mineral Well” at the intersection of Main and Center Streets. The original well was drilled in 1893 by Sam Shafer. Financed by public subscription, a wood powered steam engine was used to drill the well. The artesian water was pumped to businesses and residences alike. The ladies of Arlington placed a concrete basin around the well so all could water their horses. In 1910, the Commercial Club, predecessor to the Chamber of Commerce, funded the construction of two ornate fountains. Mineral water flowed through lion heads perched on a four-sided pyramid while a second fountain watered animals. In the 1920s, the well-site received another facelift. Part of the platform was later enclosed with brick and plate glass windows as a display room for Arlington Crystals. The structure over the mineral well was razed in 1951 to accommodate growing vehicle traffic.

Unknown Date

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1900

Arlington mineral well, looking east from Main and Center Streets, with citizens on street, 1900
J.W. Dunlop Collection, The University of Texas at Arlington

1902

“We are for prohibition Arlington”; men, women, and children gather around Arlington’s mineral well on Center and Main to campaign for prohibition, 1902

1910

1921

Downtown Arlington showing mineral well and First State Bank, 1921

1928

Mineral Well Square, downtown Arlington, TX, showing mineral well and street scene with cars parked along street, 1928

1935

Arlington mineral well, “The Home of Arlington Crystals,” roof-covered well, 1935

1947

Arlington mineral well, roof-covered, with group of men gathered around it and people on street, Kell Cleaners in background, banners indicate rodeo at Arlington Downs, 1947