About Us

The Vision

The idea for this collaboration originated shortly after Jim Ross was elected to the office of mayor at the City of Arlington in June 2021, as the Texas Legislature was reconsidering the legalization of gambling in Texas. This new attention to casinos brought Top O’ Hill Terrace to the front of Mayor Ross’ mind, as the site was once known as the ‘Vegas Before Vegas’, operating as an illegal casino and brothel throughout the Prohibition Era.

Mayor Ross reached out to Dr. Jennifer Cowley, President of the University of Texas at Arlington. She recognized the project as a perfect fit for one of UTA’s biggest strategic goals, community engagement. She emphasized the importance of practical, applied learning experiences in history and archaeology to help preserve and archive Top O’ Hill Terrace. A partnership was organized between UTA Libraries and the Department of History and Geography, with the goal of bringing Mayor Ross and Dr Cowley’s vision for Top O’ Hill Terrace and its preservation.

Preserving History

Vickie Bryant, curator of the Top O’ Hill Terrace Museum, has spent the last twenty-five years collecting artifacts, newspaper articles, and oral histories related to the site. Her dedication and passion have transformed Top O’ Hill Terrace into the number one destination on TripAdvisor for Arlington, Texas Mayor Ross became a fan of her collection and envisioned preserving these treasures through a systematic and scientific approach, cataloguing and protecting these items. His vision includes transforming the remnants of Top O’ Hill Terrace into a museum that allows visitors to walk through the historic casino or view beneath glass floors, like archaeological exhibits in Italy.

The Goal

The University of Texas at Arlington’s goal is to preserve and archive Top O’ Hill Artifacts and documents as their museum is further developed by Arlington Baptist University and the City of Arlington. Our goals are not only to preserve the rich history of Top O’ Hill Terrace but also serve as a cornerstone for educational and community engagement. By leveraging the strengths of Top O’ Hill Terrace, UTA, ABU and the City of Arlington, we aim to provide a comprehensive and immersive experience for visitors and work experience for future historians and archaeologist. This collaboration aligns with the broader strategic goals of preserving Arlington’s heritage and preparing for a future where historical tourism plays a significant role in the city’s economy.  

Moving Forward

As we continue to develop this project, we welcome the support and involvement of the community. Together, we can ensure that the stories and legacy of Top O’ Hill Terrace are preserved for future generations.