The National Juneteenth Museum in Fort Worth
On June 19th, 1865, General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and shared General Order Number 3, which proclaimed all slaves to be free. The announcement came two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. It became a National holiday in 2021 thanks to the relentless work of Fort Worth’s very own Opal…
Fort Worth’s Downtown Oasis
Nestled in the heart of downtown, the Fort Worth Water Gardens stand as a testament to human creativity and ingenuity. Located in what used to be the historic “Hell’s Half Acre,” the gardens provide a quick escape to nature in the middle of a bustling downtown. The story of the Water Gardens begins in the…
Total Eclipse of Fort Worth
On April 8, 2024, residents of Texas will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the moon pass between the Earth and the Sun in a total eclipse that will cast an enormous shadow upon the Lone Star State. So grab your special glasses and step outside as you prepare to be in awe! While the…
Spring in the Gardens
As winter loosens its grip and flowers begin to bloom, there’s no better time to get outside and experience all that spring has to offer. And there’s no better place to do so than the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens. This urban oasis offers visitors an array of exhibits that celebrate the arrival of spring in all…
The Legacy of Cleo Hearn
In the world of rodeo, where tradition meets daring feats, one name shines brightly: Cleo Hearn. His story intertwines with that of the Cowboys of Color Rodeo, a remarkable movement that has left an indelible mark on the history of rodeo. https://media.newmexicoculture.org/photo-library/event/file/detail/1666/1837/19 Cleo Hearn, a trailblazer in the world of professional rodeo, emerged as a…
Celebrating Tradition and Excellence: The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo
Deeply rooted in the heart of Texas, the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo has become synonymous with the state’s rich cowboy culture. It showcases the best of livestock, rodeo events, and Western heritage. As we embark on another exciting year, let’s take a journey through the captivating history of this iconic annual event. Dating…
A Very Fort Worth Christmas
Is there anything more spectacular than the holiday season? Leaves are changing, Christmas is near, and the anticipation of presents fills the air. This is the perfect time of year to get the family together in celebration of the holiday spirit. Whether you’re looking for Christmas lights or an activity, we’ve got the top three…
More Than Just “Cowtown”
Fort Worth is known for its vibrant livestock history—we are nicknamed “Cowtown,” after all—but you might be surprised to learn that we also have an incredibly rich and diverse arts scene. Fort Worth’s cultural district is home not only to the Stock Show & Rodeo, our largest annual event, but also to a handful of…
The History of the Stockyards and the World’s Only “Twice-Daily” Cattle Drive
Famously known as “Cowtown,” Fort Worth’s charming little nickname comes from none other than the beloved bovine themselves. In the mid-to-late 1800s, Fort Worth was the last stop on the Chisholm Trail before the cowboys and their cattle crossed over the Red River into the hot, open plains. Drovers would leave Fort Worth with their…
Fort Worth’s Very Own Romeo and Juliet
Fort Worth, Texas—also known as “Where the West Begins”—has been the preferred hiding place of many famous outlaws and criminals. Perhaps none of our notorious denizens were more exciting than the household names Bonnie and Clyde. That’s right: Clyde Borrow and Bonnie Parker spent some time in Fort Worth’s Stockyards neighborhood, and we’re here to…
Who Put the Panther in Panther City?
Throughout the years, Fort Worth has acquired several different quirky, clever, and colorful nicknames. From “Funky Town” to “Cow Town,” none have as fascinating a history as the city’s official nickname, “Panther City.” Symbols of the panther are everywhere around here. Businesses like Panther City BBQ, Panther Island Brewing, and Panther City Tattoos have adopted…
Opal Lee and Her Historic Walk: Paving the Way for Juneteenth Recognition
Fort Worth has been home to numerous important historical figures and moments, but perhaps none are more significant than Fort Worth’s own Opal Lee. Also known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” Opal Lee is known for her efforts toward getting “Juneteenth” recognized as a federal holiday. Born in Marshall, Texas, in 1926, Lee moved with…