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 was nicknamed “Cowtown” and established in 1849. 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.
You can read more about their history and plans for the future on the website. (https://www.fortworthstockyards.org/)
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: You need to get here early to find a parking spot. You should also wear good shoes because you will walk on many different surfaces.
What a great learning experience for the girls. ♥️ U All!
That’s the goal. Love you as well!
This is so interesting and what an awesome way to learn about America’s History for elementary school-aged children. You guys are great, love those girls Mommy and Dad keep a close eye on those sweeties in that great big unpredictably wild West!
We are keeping a close eye, Grandpa. HA HA!
WOW. I am surprised to see those long horns just walking peacefully among the crowd!!
Love to teach HISTORY by seeing and doing!
Ao much better than just book reading and movies.
God Bless.
Ps. Don’t forget to check out the AMAZING historical Cathedrals along the way.
Yes, we talked about them before we went but seeing them really made an impact. The girls both know them now and can identify them. We do plan on visiting some of the beautiful cathedrals as well. So many amazing things to do and see in this wonderful country.
Have you experienced any of the aide affects from the hurricanes?
This last weekend we were in the Beaumont area and was able to witness some of the destruction from Imelda the tropical storm.