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Fort Worth Stockyards is a National Historic District that seems to be taken out of an old west cowboy movie; its streets are full of music, history and cattle. In 1976, Charlie and Sue McCafferty founded this district to preserve the livestock heritage and establish landmarks that show Fort Worth’s legacy to people from all around the world.
History
In the 1870s, drovers trailed millions of cattle through Fort Worth, which was known as “Cowtown”. With the arrival of the railroad, it became a shipping key point for livestock, so the city decided to build the Union Stockyards in 1887. The Union Stockyards company didn’t have enough funds to buy cattle to attract local breeders. Consequently, President Mike Hurley contacted Greenleif Simpson, a wealthy capitalist, to convince him to invest. On April 27, 1893, Greenleif bought the Union Stockyards and decided to change its name to The Fort Worth Stockyards Company. Later, other investors joined Greenleif and figured out that it was better to build meat packing plants nearby in order to keep the business in the city, instead of shipping the meat to other places. In 1990, a construction of telegraph offices, railroad offices and other businesses started; it was known as “The Wall Street of the West”. In 1907, the grand coliseum was built and became the place for the first indoor rodeo. During the Second World War, the meat business fell and had to close their doors. The foundation of the North Fort Worth Historical District helped preserve its cattle heritage.
Cattle Drive
A great part of Fort Worth’s Western heritage is the real-life twice a day cattle drive, which can be seen by visitors every day at 11:30am and 4:00pm. Cowton’s herd has 16 Texas Longhorns, each one represents a decade of the city’s history (160 years). The cattle drive starts from the Historic Fort Worth on East Avenue, in front of the Fort Worth Livestock Exchange up to the holding pens behind the building.
Landmarks
The landmarks help commemorate the city’s legacy. The Stockyards Museum hosts thousands of visitors from all around the world annually. Also, the historic Livestock Exchange Building and the Coliseum receive thousands of visitors. Today, you can fin new shopping and entertaining venues that make it one of the most popular spots for tourists.
If you are looking for a unique, historical and fun destination, Fort Worth Stockyards is a great option to disconnect from the real world and spend the day in another decade.
Where the West Begins