Arlington, one of those towns that continues to move forward, is always ahead of the curve when it comes to innovative planning and a futuristic outlook. Its history began with the arrival of the Southern Railroad Company, today called the Norfolk-Southern Railroad. The town, the locals say, was created for, prospered and persevered because a well-known area land owner and state legislator, Franklin Lawrence Pepper, was instrumental in bringing the railroad through what was to become Arlington.
Pepper's son, James Daniel, had a portion of their family land surveyed into streets and city lots to create the town in anticipation of the coming of the railroad. Arlington was later incorporated into a township in 1873 after the building of the first depot.
Arlington is working with Early County 2055 on a number of projects that were initiated by the local residents of this beautiful, historical town. A private grant is enabling the town to implement a comprehensive faade improvement program and downtown renovation project that will restore the sidewalks and streetscapes.
Arlington's Downtown Development Authority is working with Early County and the State of Georgia to complete economic and technical feasibility studies in order to provide broadband internet service to the un-served and underserved areas of Baker, Calhoun, Early, Miller and Mitchell County. Known as SGRITA, this nearly 2,000 square mile area project promises additional economic security to the area. It is another way that Early County and its communities are building a future that will enable them to become equal partners in the State's economy and empowering them to succeed on an equal footing with urban neighbors.