National Register Listing

Vandergriff Building

a.k.a. Vandergriff Chevrolet Building; Thannisch Chevrolet Building

100 E Division St, Arlington, TX
The Vandergriff Building is the oldest standing commercial structure in the original town site of Arlington, Tarrant County, Texas. The building, a two-part commercial block type, was designed in 1928 by Fort Worth-based architect Harve Withers for J.C. Thannisch, a local automobile dealer. While Thannisch was an early pioneer in automobile sales in Arlington, the industry greatly expanded in the city due to the involvement of W.T. "Hooker" Vandergriff, who purchased this building in 1938 for his own Chevrolet dealership; Vandergriff and his son Tom, the city's mayor at the time, brought a General Motors assembly plant to town in 1952. Today the Vandergriff family owns three automobile dealerships in the area, and the General Motors plant remains in operation; this building stands as the earliest physical remnant of the American automobile industry's impact on the city of Arlington. The Vandergriff Building is therefore nominated to the National Register under Criterion A in the area of Commerce/Trade at the local level of significance as a property strongly associated with the growth of the automotive industry and greater commercial development of Arlington; its period of significance begins in 1928 and continues to 1960, the current fifty-year minimum, as the Vandergriff family's Chevrolet business continued to operate from this building until 1966, when it relocated a few miles to the east of this site.
Local significance of the building:
Commerce

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2010.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

commerce
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The cattle industry played a significant role in the development of Texas, with cowboys driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Texas random facts
Tarrant County, Texas, has a significant place in the history of the Lone Star State. The area was initially inhabited by indigenous tribes before European exploration and settlement. In the mid-19th century, the region became part of the Republic of Texas after gaining independence from Mexico.

Tarrant County was established in 1849 and named after Edward H. Tarrant, a military leader during the Texas Revolution. The county experienced significant growth and development throughout the 19th century, fueled by factors such as the expansion of railroads, cattle ranching, and the discovery of oil.

During the 20th century, Tarrant County continued to flourish and adapt to changing times. It became an important hub for transportation, commerce, and industry. The county's largest city, Fort Worth, emerged as a major center for cattle trading and eventually diversified into a vibrant economic and cultural hub.

Today, Tarrant County is one of the most populous counties in Texas, encompassing Fort Worth and several other cities and communities. It boasts a diverse economy, encompassing sectors such as aerospace, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. Tarrant County is also home to renowned educational institutions, cultural attractions, and recreational opportunities, making it a dynamic and thriving region within the state.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Tarrant County, Texas.

  • Pre-19th Century: The area was inhabited by indigenous tribes, including the Wichita and Comanche, before European settlement.

  • 1849: Tarrant County was officially established and named after Edward H. Tarrant, a military leader in the Republic of Texas.

  • 1850s: Fort Worth, the county seat, began as a military outpost on the Trinity River, providing protection for settlers and serving as a stop on the Chisholm Trail cattle drive route.

  • Late 19th Century: The arrival of the railroad in the 1870s spurred economic growth in Fort Worth and the county. The city became a center for the cattle industry, agriculture, and trade.

  • 20th Century: Tarrant County experienced significant urbanization and diversification. Fort Worth became a major hub for the oil and gas industry, aviation, and defense with the establishment of military bases.

  • Civil Rights Era: Tarrant County, like many regions in the United States, faced challenges and changes during the civil rights movement, with efforts to achieve racial equality and social progress.

  • Modern Times: Tarrant County continues to thrive as a major economic and cultural center in Texas. It is home to a diverse population and industries such as healthcare, finance, technology, and education.