Fort Worth, Texas

Fort Worth, Texas is my town. Not many people can say that they live, "Where the west begins." Built in 1849 by Army Major Ripley Arnold and his troops as a outpost to protect settlers. By 1853 the frontier pushed west. Once the army abandon the fort it soon was taken up by settlers and become Fort Worth.

The statement, "Where The West Begins" is on all the cop cars for the city of Fort Worth. Some may ask, well what does it mean? Long story short, back in the early 1800's when they were still deciding what "east and west" were (from their "base" of Washington DC), Fort Worth won the battle of  the line for the west. 


Dallas may have had all the money, but we had the food. That's simple terms. Modern day Main Street is the actual "line" where the West begins. 


Fort Worth also has the Stockyards, which are pretty popular in it'sself. Mainly bar's and a few shopping places, Fort Worth housed a industrial complex that used to be the Swift-Armour Meat Packing Plant. Of course now in 2012, the Swift-Armour Plants are long abandoned, and the city is going to tear them down. I am saddened by this news, It excites me to tell my story and send them up to the Stockyards, but now I will have to leave a major part of my story out.In 1944, over 5 million head of livestock made it through this area, where as only 50,000 went through after 1986 annually. Here is the Swift-Armour plants as they are today abandoned and empty. Taggers have made a field day out of the buildings. The TV show Prison Break came in 2008 and turned two of the old buildings into "jails", and built two "towers". Everything is still there. 

The Actual "Stockyards" is to the right of this picture, I found this picture on Flickr. It is not mine. 

Here is the Fort Worth Stockyards. Is isn't that big, pretty much just one street. You are looking to the right (East), and the Swift Armour Plants are in front of you (at the end of the street). The Stockyards is at North Main and East Exchange St. 

The Stockyards do a cattle drive two times a day, rain or shine. They walk them down the street at 11 am (or 11:30), then back at 4pm. 

There are rodeo's held in the Colosseum, and you can visit the Cowgirl Museum. Depending on the weather, they often have a longhorn out that you can sit on... get your camera's ready! 

Billy Bob's Texas is the world's biggest country and western bar, complete with stage, dance floor, and even a rodeo somewhere in there! 

Once you have had a few drinks, then you head a few blocks south and visit Joe T Garcia's for some delicious Mexican Food. They have a outdoor patio that is so beautiful, it makes Martha Stewart jealous. 

This picture is just part of the outdoor seating area. The building it's self doesn't promise much, but as soon as you round the corner, and walk up the steps, you will be breathless. It really is breath-taking! The food is delicious, and has been since 1935. And by the way, if you ever do go, try a margarita. Just do it. Something secret they put in there. Hey, they dont have a two hour wait for nothing guys! :D (There normally is a small wait associated with this fabulous restaurant. Always call ahead. Outside seating is "first come, first serve")

Well head back downtown for this next part! 

Sundance Square, which might not look like much, is an area downtown that is our big attraction. Dining, Shopping, Entertainment, Apartments, Condos, and Bars... you name it! Fun, fun fun! The actual "square" would be the parking lots you see mid-picture. This is a Christmas time photo, so the Tree is up on Main St. A mural on one building commemorates the Fort Worth segment of the Chisolm Trail cattle drives of 1867-1875. They are also planning on building something at this site, I believe it may be some sort of concert venue. 

Well, there is a brief explanation of some stuff to do in my wonderful city. 

I love Fort Worth. I love Texas.