A Weekend In Cowtown

Back in the old days, they called Fort Worth "Cowtown;" it was and is also known as, "Where The West Begins." Now it's the 17th largest city in the USA and is part of the Dallas-FW Metroplex, the fourth largest urban area in America behind, New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. No longer a cowtown, it is a rich cultural and commerical center--referred to as one of America's most liveable communities. The tall building on the right is headquarters to Pier One Imports.

The biggest annual event in Fort Worth is the Livestock Show, which includes a huge parade, a fair and rodeo. The show lasts for two weeks. We were looking for a downtown location from which to view the Saturday morning parade, but we did not decide until Friday to make the trip. There was one good room left, and it was in the Fort Worth Hilton (older building with balcony in top left photo). We had not known of the rich history connected with the old hotel until check-in. Back in 1963, it was the Hotel Texas and was the place where JFK and his family spent their last night (Nov. 21)before that horrible day in Dallas. The night before his death President Kennedy made a speech in the Hotel Texas ballroom and then held a press conference in the parking lot the morning of his Dallas departure. With him were Jackie, John, Carolyn, VP Johnson, and TX Gov. Connelly. Many pictures of the Kennedys overnight stay grace the halls of the Hilton, but the hotel has been completely remodeled since that time. Room 1530 is dedicated to JFK's memorable visit.

Within easy walking distance from the Hilton is the Convention Center. Behind it are are the Fort Worth Water Gardens, some of the most remarkable fountains we have seen in any US city center. They were designed by the famous architects, Philip Johnson and John Burgee as a quiet, serene respite from the traffic, concrete, and rapid pace that most city dwellers endure. The old railroad depot (above) where cattle used to be loaded is now used for special events.

One of the great things about Fort Worth is that there are few if any traffic snarls, and everything seems easy to find. We will visit this city often in the future, as there is much to enjoy there. It is an easy drive only 55 miles from our home straight north on I-35. It has many shopping centers, museums, theatres, Sam's Clubs, Costco, and a military air base that has Space-A flights for retirees. One can even take a canoe trip on the Trinity River each month from the Nature Center. For a large city, it is remarkably clean and is less "glitzy" than Dallas. There are lots of big hats, shiny buckles, and pretty women in western attire. You know you are in Texas when you visit Fort Worth, where the people are kind, friendly, and customer service oriented. It seems that Mexicans, Anglos and Blacks interact remarkably well.