The stockyards are one of the first things someone thinks about when Fort Worth, Texas, is mentioned. More than just a simple destination or tourist trap, the stockyards are a history of Fort Worth and the people that have lived there since the late 1800’s. The stockyards combine a unique blend of Western heritage, entertainment for guests, and history.
History
The story of the Fort Worth Stockyards starts in the 1800s. Cowboys that worked the Chisholm Trail took part in epic cattle drives from Kansas all the way to Texas. Fort Worth became an essential rest and resupply point. As the cattle industry grew bigger and bigger, the need for centralized livestock marketing facilities developed.
The Texas and Pacific Railway completed a train stop in Fort Worth in 1866. This cemented Fort Worth as a major cattle shipping point. 21 years later, in 1887, the Fort Worth Stockyards were officially established. With the convenience of rail transport close by and the city’s strategic location directly adjacent to the Chisholm Trail, Fort Worth ended up being the perfect place to set up a livestock facility for the ranchers, cowboys, and beef buyers.
Not long after, Louville Niles and Greenleif W. Simpson founded the Fort Worth Stockyards Company, which played a significant role in the growth of the stockyards. The Fort Worth Stockyards Company built, livestock pens, a hotel, and many other facilities that supported the growing livestock trade. The Fort Worth stockyards quickly grew in size, and before 1900, it was the second largest livestock market in the United States, with Chicago being the first.
The early 1900s are referred to as the golden era of the Fort Worth Stockyards. On a yearly basis, the stockyards processed millions of cattle, sheep, and hogs. Both the Swift and Armour meat packing companies built large processing plants in the area, which fueled economic growth by providing employment to thousands of native Fort Worth residents.
At the same time, the stockyards took on a new role as a cultural hub. Livestock shows, livestock auctions, and rodeos became regular events with enormous crowds. The stockyards personified the cowboy culture, and America couldn’t get enough.
In the 1960s, the livestock industry changed. Transportation had advanced across America, and the consolidation of meat, packing plants, and other areas like the Midwest reduced the need for centralized markets. The Fort Worth Stockyards saw a sharp decline, and many businesses closed permanently.
In the late 1970s, efforts to revitalize the district started. Local businesses and community leaders recognized the cultural and historical value of the stockyards, and set about to restore them to their past. Eventually, their efforts earned the Fort Worth Stockyards designation as a National Historic District in 1976.
Current Conditions
Today, the Fort Worth Stockyards have been turned into a tourist attraction, offering a mix of history, entertainment, shopping, and dining. The Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame is located there, and visitors can experience a cattle drive twice daily (assuming reasonable weather). The area also hosts live rodeo events at the Cowtown Colosseum. Speaking of cattle, regardless of weather you like cowhide rugs, or prefer something a little more modern, HomeGirl 313 designs can assist with all your interior decorating needs.
Before You Go
As with any trip, it’s always advisable to call or at least check the website before planning your visit. Holidays and extreme weather can affect the normal operating hours. The website also lists the restaurants and shops in the area and gives details about them all. If you’re interested in more animal encounters, you should try the Fort Worth Zoo.