Fort Worth Stock Yards

In the early part of the 20th Century, Fort Worth’s Stockyards were the largest in the world. Cattle pens extended for nearly a mile and property values escalated so much that the Stockyards became known as the “Richest Little City in the World”. While the Stockyards still play an active role in the livestock industry by hosting weekly rodeos, the modern revitalization of the district has been brought about by restaurants, dance halls, saloons, art galleries and offices bringing new energy to the area. Cowtown Coliseum was built in 1908 to house the Southwestern   Exposition and Stock Show, the nation’s oldest livestock show and the world’s first indoor rodeo in 1918. Today, it comes alive on the weekends for rodeos and wild west shows. The Stockyards’ old hog and sheep pens have been restored as Stockyards Station, a Western themed    marketplace with shopping and dining and a life size maze. Cattle drives daily at 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Cowhands drive The Herd (10-15 longhorns) from their pens down Exchange Street. 817-336-4373.