Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District | Fort Worth

The Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District is one of the most iconic and historically rich neighborhoods in Texas, located just north of downtown Fort Worth. This 98-acre district preserves the city’s deep roots in the cattle industry and the Old West. Today, it serves as a living museum and entertainment district that celebrates cowboy culture through historic buildings, live events, and authentic Western experiences.

Origins and Historical Background

Founded in the late 1800s, the Stockyards became a critical center for the livestock industry with the arrival of the Texas and Pacific Railway in 1876. It enabled Fort Worth to become a major stop along the cattle trails, including the famous Chisholm Trail.

The Fort Worth Union Stockyards Company was established in 1893. Over the following decades, millions of cattle, sheep, and hogs were bought and sold here, earning the city its nickname, “Cowtown.”

Two large meatpacking plants, Swift & Company and Armour & Company, opened in the early 1900s, turning Fort Worth into a top livestock market.

Key Attractions

1. Livestock Exchange Building

Built in 1902, this Beaux-Arts style structure was the business hub of the Stockyards.

It housed telegraph offices, cattle brokers, and a bank.

Today, it includes the Stockyards Museum, which displays historical artifacts such as original branding irons, cowboy gear, and early photographs.

2. Cowtown Coliseum

Opened in 1908, it was the first indoor rodeo arena in the U.S.

Hosts year-round rodeos (Friday and Saturday nights), including bull riding, bronc riding, barrel racing, and calf roping.

Also used for concerts, Western reenactments, and equestrian shows.

3. Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame

Honors Texas-born cowboys and cowgirls, rodeo champions, and Western cultural figures.

Features memorabilia, biographies, and personal collections of honorees like Nolan Ryan and George Strait.

4. Billy Bob’s Texas

Dubbed the “World’s Largest Honky Tonk”, this massive venue spans over 100,000 square feet.

Offers live country music performances, line dancing, indoor bull riding, and dozens of bars.

Has hosted legends like Willie Nelson, Garth Brooks, and Miranda Lambert.

5. Cattle Drives

Daily cattle drives at 11:30 AM and 4:00 PM on Exchange Avenue.

A team of authentic drovers guides a herd of Texas Longhorns, recreating how cattle were driven through town in the 1800s.

Free to watch and highly educational for families and children.

Shopping and Dining

The district is home to numerous Western wear stores selling cowboy boots, hats, leather goods, and rodeo apparel (e.g., M.L. Leddy’s and Maverick Fine Western Wear).

Saloons, BBQ joints, and steakhouses offer authentic Texas cuisine, including smoked brisket, chicken-fried steak, and mesquite-grilled steaks.

The area also has ice cream parlors, Tex-Mex restaurants, and craft beer saloons that blend Western flair with modern tastes.

Events and Activities

Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo (January–February): One of the oldest and largest livestock shows in the U.S., with parades, competitions, and exhibitions.

Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering (October): A cowboy poetry and music festival featuring chuckwagon cook-offs and ranch rodeos.

Summer and holiday events: The Stockyards regularly host live music, gunfight reenactments, dance lessons, and family-friendly festivals.

Accessibility and Visitor Info

Address: 131 E Exchange Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76164

Admission: The district itself is open to the public at no cost. Most walking areas, shows, and window shopping are free, but individual attractions (museums, rodeos) may charge admission.

Parking: Metered street parking and multiple paid lots are available. Free parking exists but can fill quickly.

Best Time to Visit: Weekends offer the most events and activities, though weekdays are quieter for sightseeing and shopping.

Summary

The Fort Worth Stockyards is more than a tourist attraction—it’s a preserved piece of living history that brings the Old West to life. Whether you want to see real longhorns, attend a rodeo, hear live country music, or shop for authentic cowboy gear, the Stockyards deliver a fully immersive Western experience. It’s an essential stop for anyone interested in Texas heritage, cowboy culture, and American frontier history.