Experience the Wild West in Fort Worth

by Marilyn Loeser

There is great anticipation.

Men, women and children line the street, craning their necks to get a better view. At exactly 11:30 a.m. — and later in the day at 4 p.m. — this Fort Worth, Texas street becomes the setting of the world’s only twice daily cattle drive. Sixteen longhorns, one for every decade Fort Worth has been a city, are driven down East Exchange Avenue by cowhands offering spectators an authentic glimpse into the city’s history.

For the drovers herding cattle to Kansas, Fort Worth was the last major stop for rest and supplies. Between 1866 and 1890, more than four million head of cattle were trailed through Fort Worth along with cowboys’ infamous desire for disreputable entertainment.

Hell’s Half Acre was established on the lower end of town. It was the first thing the trail drivers saw as they approached town from the south. Here there were saloons, dance halls and brothels. 

When the railroad arrived in 1876, Fort Worth became a major shipping point for livestock which prompted for the construction of the Union Stockyards. It went into full operation about 1889.

Two wealthy Boston capitalists bought Union Stockyards in 1893 and changed the name to the Fort Worth Stockyards Company. Instead of shipping the beef to other markets, the men went about attracting major packers to the city. By the turn of the last century, both Armour & Company and Swift & Company were persuaded to build plants adjacent to the Stockyards.

The Livestock Exchange Building — which became known as “The Wall Street of the West” — along with pens, barns and a coliseum were built in the first decade of the 20th century. The Coliseum was the home of the first indoor rodeo and was used for cultural, social, agricultural and religious events as well.

During World War II, the Stockyards processed 5,277,496 head of livestock making 1944 the peak year of the entire operation. In later years sales at the stockyards began to decline. By 1986, sales reached an all-time low of 57,181 animals.

There were many reasons for its decline including the growth of the trucking industry. Much of the advantage that railroads had in bulk shipping was lost. The market moved to the shipper with the creation of local livestock auctions and feedlots.

In 1976, the North Fort Worth Historical Society was chartered to make sure Fort Worth's’ livestock heritage would be preserved. Since then, the Society has worked to promote the history of one of the greatest livestock and meatpacking industries in the country.
Visiting the Stockyards

Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District is part history lesson, part tourist attraction and all fun. As one of Texas’ most popular tourist destinations, the area offers entertainment, restaurants, shopping and ticketed attractions — all punctuating stockyard and Western history.

Billy Bob's Texas, for example, is the world's largest honky-tonk. With three acres under roof, it offers its own indoor rodeo arena for professional bull riding, a Texas-size dance floor, dozens of bars and restaurants, a Wall of Fame with celebrity handprints and a general store. It’s a destination in and of itself.

Spectators can enjoy air conditioned comfort and view the best in rodeo and western action in the Cowtown Coliseum. Rodeos are held every Friday and Saturday night starting at 8 p.m.

The Stockyards Museum is located in the Livestock Exchange building and is very family-friendly or you might like to sit atop a real live longhorn! Horseback riding is another fun activity.

If shopping is on your list, you’ll find upscale boutiques and budget-friendly offerings alike. {place hat store photo here}

Stockyards Station features more than 25 shops, restaurants and art galleries, plus the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. The hall of fame pays tribute to more than 70 cowboys and cowgirls including rodeo stars and entertainers.

And, when cowhands aren’t herding the longhorns down the street, they’re more than willing to stop and explain the life of a cowpoke to visitors.

With its legendary heroes and Wild West reputation, a visit to Fort Worth’s Stockyards is a once in a lifetime experience.

If you go:

For more information about Fort Worth and the Stockyards, check the website at www.fortworth.com or call (800) 433-5747.

The Fort Worth Stockyards is only 10 minutes from downtown Fort Worth. 

A great place to stay is Courtyard by Marriott Fort Worth Downtown Blackstone Hotel, 601 Main Street. The 23 story 1929 art deco hotel is a local landmark and is an easy walk to shops, restaurants, museums and the Convention Center.

For more information about the hotel, check the website at http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dfwms-courtyard-fort-worth-downtown-blackstone or call (817) 885-8700.