As early as 1867, Fort Worth held promise as an ideal stockyards. Making their way to northern markets, cattle passed through the city on what became the Chisholm Trail. By 1876, local businessmen urged railroad development, and the establishment of local packing facilities and animal pens followed in the 1880s. The first stockyards opened in 1889. It was not until the nation's two largest meatpacking giants, Armour and Swift, bought into the local market in 1902, however, that the stockyards began to thrive. Fort Worth became the largest stockyards in the Southwest and ranked consistently from third to fourth nationwide. Most major stockyards have now closed, including Fort Worth in 1992. Of these, only Fort Worth has successfully turned its former livestock market into a tourist site, attracting nearly a million visitors annually.

With breathtaking color photography and absorbing historical detail, Carolyn Brown and J'Nell Pate tell the story of the Fort Worth Stockyards, the place that earned the city the nickname "Cowtown." From the rise of the stockyards as a vital railhead for the ranching industry through the postwar decline and rebirth as a National Historic District, first-time visitors and long-time acquaintances will find this chronicle engaging and enjoyable. Brown and Pate accompany readers through the early days of settlement, the cattle drives that saw thousands of head of livestock going up the trail through what was then little more than a frontier outpost, and the rising tide of industry that accompanied the arrival of the railroads. Continuing after World War II when the changes in the livestock industry led to decline of their importance, the stockyards, once a bustling, vital part of the regional culture and economy, fell into slow decay. In 1976, citizens banded together to create a National Historic District. Today, the Fort Worth Stockyards attract thousands of visitors from all over the world with restaurants, entertainment venues, and the world's only twice-daily longhorn cattle drive along East Exchange Avenue. Brown's lens captures the vibrancy of today's stockyards while Pate's research depicts the drama of the area's rise, fall, and rebirth. The Historic Fort Worth Stockyards provides a visual and factual tour of an unforgettable place where heritage is celebrated and preserved.

A photographic book and history of the current Fort Worth Stockyards.

Livestock markets for the sale and distribution of meat developed as early as the days of colonial America. In the mid-nineteenth century, as westward expansion increased and railroads developed, stockyard companies formed in order to meet the demand of a growing nation. Contrary to markets, these companies were centrally organized and managed by a select few principal partners. America's Historic Stockyards: Livestock Hotels is an examination of such stockyards, from their early beginnings to their eventual decline. Stockyards helped to establish some of America's greatest cities. Early on the scene were stockyards in cities such as Cincinnati, otherwise known as "Porkopolis," and meat stockyards and packing powerhouse Chicago, which was considered the number one livestock market in the nation. Markets soon opened in the Midwest and eventually expanded further westward to California and Oregon. Other smaller markets made large contributions to the industry. The cow towns of Fort Worth and Wichita never reached the status of Chicago but did have large livestock receipts. Fort Worth, for instance, became the largest horse and mule market in 1915, as World War I produced an increased demand for these animals. Meatpacking moguls known as the Big Four--Phillip Armour, Gustavus Swift, Nelson Morris, and Edward Cudahy--usually financed these growing markets, controlled the meatpacking business and, in turn, the stockyards companies. Although the members changed, this oligopoly remained intact for much of the duration of the stockyards industry. However, as railways gave way to highways, the markets declined and so too did these moguls. By the end of the twentieth century, almost every major market closed, bringing an end to the stockyard era. J'Nell Pate's examination of this era, the people, and the markets themselves recounts a significant part of the history of America's meat industry.

Describes the Fort Worth Stockyards which was the largest market in the Southwest. Active trading still continues there, but the heyday is passed.

In 1848 the York and Gilmore families stopped their covered wagons north of the Trinity River near present-day Fort Worth. A century and a half later, the settlement they founded is North Fort Worth, with a colorful history centered around livestock, tourism, and family life. After the Civil War, life often revolved around massive cattle drives passing through North Fort Worth. Later, stockyards were built and the meat packing industry boomed, attracting thousands of people from around the world - Austria, Greece, Russia, Mexico, and Poland. North Fort Worth is now incorporated within the city of Fort Worth and continues to contribute a unique history and atmosphere essential to one of Texas' most diverse and fascinating cities.

Moon Travel Guides: Experience the Life of the City! Whether you're looking for honky-tonks or chicken-fried steak, find out what sets "DFW" apart with Moon Dallas & Fort Worth. Inside you'll find: Strategic itineraries that can be adapted for your budget and timeline, whether you're in Dallas for a weekend or spending more time exploring the region Activities and unique ideas: Catch a show at the House of Blues, learn how to line dance, or risk a ride on a mechanical bull. Tour landmarks of both cities' infamous outlaw history, or grab a bite from one of Dallas's many food trucks after strolling the Nasher Sculpture Center. Escape the heat with a dip in Lake Texoma or a kayak trip down the Trinity River, and find the best margaritas, dancing, and famed Texas steak for a night on the town Honest advice on where to stay, where to eat, and how to get around by car or public transportation Local insight from born-and-bred Dallas expert Emily Toman Full-color, vibrant photos and detailed maps for navigating independently Detailed and thorough information, including background on culture and history, geography, and regional vernacular With Moon Dallas & Fort Worth's practical tips, myriad activities, and expert advice on the best things to do and see, you can plan your trip your way. Looking to explore more of the Lone Star State? Try Moon Austin, San Antonio & the Hill Country, or Moon Texas.