The land that would become Fort Worth was prized long before it had a name. Rich with game and edged by the Trinity River, it served as a prime hunting ground for Native American tribes. In 1840, settler Jonathon Bird established a post just east of the present-day city, drawing more settlers into the region. Three years later, Sam Houston arrived to negotiate peace with tribal leaders, and the treaty that followed drew a boundary through what is now Fort Worth. That dividing line came to represent more than territory—it marked the place “Where the West Begins,” a phrase that still defines the city’s identity today.
More than 170 years later, with a population exceeding 1,0000,000, Fort Worth still wears its past with pride, even as glass towers and international art collections reflect its broader identity. It has been one of the fastest growing cities in the country.
Fort Worth’s history isn’t only found in books and buildings—it’s whispered in darker corners too. Miss Molly’s Hotel in the Stockyards, once a brothel, is said to host more than overnight guests. Patrons have reported ghostly footsteps, shadowy figures, and the scent of unlit cigars. At the Scott Theatre, unexplained cold spots and flickering lights are blamed on former performers who never left the stage.
No visit—or article—about Fort Worth skips the Stockyards. But what makes this district more than a tourist draw is how it operates as a functioning time capsule. Longhorns driven down East Exchange Avenue twice a day. Rodeos still fill the coliseum. At M.L. Leddy’s, handmade boots and saddles are custom-ordered the same way they have been since 1922. A few blocks down, you’ll find the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame—still the only museum in the world dedicated to honoring women of the American West. It’s more than old photographs and fringe jackets. Exhibits celebrate grit and gritters: ranchers, artists, rodeo stars, and journalists who shaped American identity on horseback or behind a lens.
Food here is as big as the reputation. Joe T. Garcia’s has been feeding crowds since 1935. Known for its lush patio and family-style Mexican dishes, it’s the kind of place that skips the menu—your choices are either enchiladas or fajitas, and both arrive steaming. For meat lovers, Heim Barbecue is where bacon burnt ends began. They’re smoky, rich, and as far from diet food as you can get. At Wabi House, you’ll find ramen with a Texas accent—think tonkotsu broth with smoked pork belly and jalapeño accents. And for something both unexpected and deeply Southern,
The art scene in Fort Worth isn’t just big—it’s global. The Kimbell Art Museum houses works from Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Monet, while its building—designed by Louis Kahn—is an architectural destination in itself. Next door, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, built by Tadao Ando, features a reflective pool and rotating exhibitions that include everything from Warhol to local experimentalists. The Amon Carter Museum focuses entirely on American art, including one of the largest collections of Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell works in the world.
Outside, Fort Worth offers more than stock shows and stadiums. The Trinity Trails system runs more than 100 miles along the river, connecting neighborhoods and parks with scenic bike and walking routes. Airfield Falls is tucked away near a conservation park and honors Fort Worth’s deep military aviation history. And for those who want to slow down, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden—Texas’ oldest major botanical garden—features a Japanese Garden complete with koi ponds, stone bridges, and winding pathways shaded by bamboo and maple.
Locals and travelers alike time their calendars around the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, held every January and February. It brings livestock, live music, and nightly rodeo competitions that keep tradition alive under stadium lights. The Main St. Arts Festival in spring draws artists from across the country, setting up booths against the backdrop of historic buildings and live jazz. In fall, ArtsGoggle transforms the Near Southside into a pedestrian-only stretch of painters, potters, and performers.
Just like great art, a fresh coat of paint can completely transform a space. Gutierrez Painting brings expert craftsmanship and attention to detail to homes and businesses throughout Fort Worth—contact us to schedule your estimate today.