The beginning of the Wild West

Real Texas cowhands drive a herd of Texas longhorns down Exchange Avenue in the Stockyards National Historic District two times every day.
Sunday, September 22, 2019

Within the first month of traveling to Texas, we took a day trip to the Fort Worth Stockyards to see the famous cattle drive. Tony and I had visited the Stockyards before but were thrilled to let our girls experience this fun event. To be honest, we were most excited to see how Kylie (our animal lover) would react when she saw the longhorns walk right in front of her.

The History of the Stockyards

I love reading the history of the places we visit, and this place has a great story. For instance, the city of Fort Worth, established in 1849, was nicknamed “Cowtown.” The town was also known as the last “civilized” place for cowboys because there were five hundred miles of unsettled wilderness between Fort Worth and where the railroad began in Kansas. The cowboys would round up the cattle roaming wild across the Texas plains and drive them on the Chisholm Trail to Kansas.

After the railroad came, Fort Worth became a primary shipping location for cattle. For that reason, the city built the Union Stockyards. However, the city didn’t have funds to buy enough cattle, and the Union Stockyards were later sold. Soon after they sold, the Stockyards started losing business with the decline of the railroad.

Learn more about the history and schedule at the Fort Worth Stockyards.

Seeing the cattle drive

Real Texas cowhands drive a herd of Texas longhorns down Exchange Avenue in the Stockyards National Historic District twice daily. You can check the Fort Worth Stockyards’ website to find the dates that drives are not held.

Kylie was amazed when the cows and cowboys on their horses walked right in front of her. It was great to see both of their expressions. Lexie still talks about the Longhorns to this day.

One of the coolest parts of the Fort Worth Stockyards is the authentic old brick roadway, where you can browse all the fun shops. We also enjoyed a gunfight between the sheriff and some rowdy cowboys.

It was a great way to introduce the girls (and us) to the history of Texas’s famous livestock industry.

Kristen: ★★★★☆ | Tony: ★★★★☆ | Kylie: ★★★★☆ | Lexie: ★★★★★

Cost: We spent no money and watched the cattle drive and the gunfight show.

Recommendations: Get here early to find a parking spot. Wear good shoes because you will walk on many different surfaces.

Topics: State: Texas

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