Stockyards National Historic
Visitors to Fort Worth should make a real effort to visit the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District. The area, which lies in the north of Fort Worth, was once the center of livestock shipping in Texas. Today many of the historic buildings have been preserved and the area has been turned into a vibrant tourist attraction.
History
Fort Worth was once a frontier town. Cattle drovers would stop there to load up with supplies and maybe take the chance for some rest and entertainment before heading out across the Red River towards the Indian Territory. So important was the business of cattle droving that Fort Worth acquired the nickname Cowtown’.
1876 saw the railroad arrive in Fort Worth and so came a change in the way livestock was transported across the country. Fort Worth was one of the most important shipping points and so the decision was made to build the Union Stockyards. They were completed in 1887 and later were acquired by Greenleaf Simpson. He soon attracted meatpackers to the area and two giant plants – Armour and Swift – were built adjacent to the stockyards. 
New pens were erected along with the Livestock Exchange Building. Support and ancillary businesses moved into other offices at the location including telegraph offices, banks, and railroad company facilities. In 1907 the Cowtown Coliseum was completed to host shows and indoor rodeos.
The area around the stockyards became known as Niles City and was separate from Fort Worth but in 1923 it became part of its larger neighbor. The stockyards prospered in the years between the World Wars but after the Second World War decline set in. This was due to the growth of the road-based trucking industry. The railroads declined and with it the traditional way of handling livestock sales.
The meatpackers moved out in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and the whole area was threatened with abandonment. A Fort Worth couple – Sue and Charlie McCafferty were so concerned that they established the North Fort Worth Historical Society in 1976 to keep the area and its memories alive. Restoration of the most important landmarks began and the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District was established. All-in-all 98 acres of the site were included in the preservation area. The Livestock Exchange Building became home to the Stockyards Museum. Some livestock sales still take place in the Stockyards but there are also restaurants, entertainment, and shopping venues helping to make the area a must-see tourist destination.
Things to do
There so many things to do at the Stockyards it might be easy to miss some. Try a tour to get an idea of where everything is and then you will be able to note what you want to go back to see.
Tours
- Guided Walking Tour
The Wrangler tour is a great option as you will get the services of a guide who will tell the stories and outline the history of the area. They run three times a day. Cost is a reasonable $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, and $5 for children. Get your tickets at the Cowtown Cattlepen Maze.
- Bus group tour
If you are part of a larger bus group you can drive around the site with a guide. These tours allow a longer tour of the area and you will see more attractions and get a well-informed talk by the guide.
The normal bus rate is $65 while a mid-size bus comes in at $50. Great for those tour parties where passengers are infirm or disabled.
- Four Hours of Fun
The Four Hours of the Fun tour is designed especially for young people – students, school groups, scout groups, and youth groups. Included are visits to the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, the Fort Worth Herd, and the Cowtown Cattlepen Maze.
Pricing is according to the size of the group and should be negotiated before your visit.
- Western Experience
Similar to the Four Hours of Fun for youngsters, the Western Experience is designed for large groups of adults. The Experience can be tailored to the individual group’s interests and needs. Choose either two, three, or even four attractions.
Prices vary according to group size.
Conclusion
There is so much to see and do at the Fort Worth Stockyards you will probably need to return again and again to cover them all. There are eateries, shops and a range of entertainments, including rodeos! Don’t forget to walk down Mule Alley and enjoy outdoor dining and live music among the many attractions.
