Did you know Colonel Middleton Tate Johnson was among the first to settle in present day Arlington? He established a grist mill, sorghum mill, blacksmith shop, general merchandise store and built the first four-section barn.

The area became known as Johnson Station. Before becoming a Texas Ranger, Johnson served in the ninth and last Congress of the Republic of Texas.

During his term, he took an active role in the Texas land policy, which established the Homestead Act, the location of the capital in Austin and the annexation of Texas in the U.S. He also had aspirations of bringing the railroad to Texas, but he was not able to accomplish that goal. On May 12, 1866, 10 years before the railroad arrived, Middleton Tate Johnson died.

He is remembered as the father of Tarrant County and Johnson Creek is named in his honor.