Fort Worth Stockyards- FW, TX

Located just a few miles north of downtown Fort Worth, the Stockyards National Historic District is a living reminder of the American West. Granted, a sanitized, tourist friendly version, but one with enough authenticity to be interesting.

Although Fort Worth was long a stop along the fabled Chisolm Trail, which moved Texas cattle up to Kansas for distribution, the Stockyards District was a product of the westward expansion of railroads in the late 1800s. With the arrival of service to Fort Worth in 1876, the city became a major shipping point for livestock. By the end of the century, several meat packing plants, including Armour and Swift, were established near the Stockyards.

Around the railroad and the plants the city grew, including a lively commercial district. In 1902, a new Mission Revival style Livestock Exchange building opened, housing a telegraph office, livestock commission companies, and railroad offices; it was so successful, the town became known as “The Wall Street of the West.”

In 1907, a coliseum was constructed, home of the first indoor rodeo, as well as a grand new hotel, known as The Stockyard Club, where wealthy cattlemen stayed while in Fort Worth conducting business. Years later, in 1933, Bonny and Clyde hid out at the hotel, during their infamous crime spree.

In 1917, during World War I, the Stockyards was the largest horse and mule market in the world; it would remained a wildly successful operation through World War II, until improved roads and the decline of the railroad took its toll. With trucking offering more flexibility and lower costs, local livestock businesses thrived, marking the decline of central operations such the Stockyards. Armour closed their packing facility in 1962; Swift remained for almost another decade, closing in 1971.

In 1976, much of the area was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as Fort Worth Stockyards Historic District, which brought funding for the restoration of several key buildings, including the Coliseum and the Livestock Exchange. Although a much smaller operation, cattle are still sold from the Exchange, while twice a day the Fort Worth Herd are driven down Exchange Avenue.

With many of the commercial structures built around the turn of the century, it’s a classic Main Street Town, with interesting architecture. Catering largely to tourists, there are several Western themed bars, including the insanely large Billy Bob’s which features an indoor rodeo arena, mechanical bulls, and several dance floors. For a more authentic experience, head to one of the smaller venues scattered around town, followed by a huge steak dinner, and a night at the Stockyards Hotel.