Three historical markers are located at this corner just outside the Tarrant County Criminal Courts Building: The Site of Camp Worth; Fort Worth; and Site of the First Masonic Hall in Fort Worth (see below for more information).
This large historical commemorates brothers John and Obadiah "Obie" Leonard who, in 1918, founded what would become one of the largest department stores in Fort Worth. It was so large, in fact, that by the 1960s it occupied six city blocks here in downtown Fort Worth. The store was so successful because the customers could buy almost anything they wanted, from fresh produce to auto supplies, and the brothers treated their employees and customers well. Other draws to the store were the first escalators built in the South and, remarkably, the store's subway line. Called the M&O Subway Express, the subway ferried customers from a large parking lot to the store for free. In effect, the subway was a small-scale mass transit system, encouraging people to not only shop at Leonard's but other businesses as well. As a result, the entire downtown benefitted. The store no longer exists but the tunnel is still there although it is sealed off from the public.
Considered by many to be one of the "crown jewels" of downtown Fort Worth, the Tarrant County Courthouse was designed by the architecture firm of Frederick C. Gunn & Louis Curtiss. It was built between 1893-1895 at a cost of over four hundred thousand dollars, an expense that aroused concern among many residents and led the election of local candidates pledged to limiting public expenditures in the future. In the second half of the 20th century, a number of local officials hoped to modernize the interior and exterior of the courthouse, while others hoped to replace the building altogether. For many residents, however, the building's distinctive western flair and historical qualities were qualities that demanded its preservation.
.jpg){kind=avatar}
Situated in the historic Sundance Square neighborhood of downtown Fort Worth, the Sid Richardson Museum is an art museum dedicated showcasing the art of the American West. To this end, the museum features permanent and special exhibitions of works by notable Western artists including Frederic Remington, Charles M. Russell, Oscar Berninghaus, Charles F. Browne, and Edwin W. Deming. The museum is named after Sid Williams Richardson (1891-1959), who amassed a fortune in the oil industry, which allowed him to collect the art collection that is now housed in the museum (the museum has also acquired four paintings since Richardson's passing). The museum also offers a wide variety of educational opportunities for visitors of all ages. It is operated by the Sid W. Richardson Foundation.
Painted in 1985 by Richard Haas, this large mural depicts the famous Chisholm trail and serves a centerpiece of the Sundance Square public space in downtown Fort Worth. The Mural serves as a reminder of Fort Worth's heritage which as the economy of the city was at one point heavily reliant upon the cattle industry. Fort Worth was one of the final stops for cattle drivers on the Texas portion of the Chisholm Trail and the beauty of the mural allows the trail to once again provide something valuable to the city as it revitalized this area of its downtown.
Billed as "the last great hall built in this century," Bass Hall graces the Fort Worth skyline. Featuring two intricately crafted 48-foot high limestone angles on the front facade, the artwork and craftsmanship of Bass Hall is certain to dazzle.
The Blackstone Hotel, today officially called the Courtyard Fort Worth Downtown/Blackstone, is the tallest hotel in Fort Worth and an excellent example of Art Deco architecture. The 22-story building reaches a height of 268 feet and its most notable feature is the setback massing that starts on the 14th floor. It was built by wealthy rancher C.A. "Gus" O'Keefe in 1929 and has hosted several American presidents and celebrities including Harry Truman and Elivis Presley. It remained in operation under different names until 1982. It then sat vacant for about 15 years before it was restored in the late 1990s and reopened in 1999.
This historical marker describes the life and legacy of one of Fort Worth's most consequential figures of the 20th century, newspaper publisher and entrepreneur Amon G. Carter, Sr. (1879-1955), who played a key role in Fort Worth's economic development. He is most known for founding the Fort Worth Star-Telegram in February 1909. He also established WBAP, the city's first radio station in 1922 (it would later become the first TV station in the South and Southwest in 1948). Carter used the paper and radio station to vigorously promote the city around the state and country, employing the phrase "Where the West Begins." He was ultimately successful. A few successes included: oil companies moved to Forth Worth and built skyscrapers; the state established what is now Texas Tech University; as president of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, Carter was largely responsible for bringing the first airplane to the city; and, the company that is now American Airlines moved to Forth Worth from Dallas. Carter was also a philanthropist, establishing the Amon G. Carter Foundation in 1945, which supported education and cultural programs.
Formerly known as, the "Transport Life Building," the "Continental Life Building," the "Fort Worth National Bank Building," and the "Farmers and Mechanics National Bank Building," 714 Main Street is a historic skyscraper located in downtown Fort Worth, Texas. 714 Main was, for a short time, the tallest building in Texas. A visit to 714 Main is a glimpse of Texas history and an architectural treat.
Cynthia Ann Parker was a white American who was kidnapped by a group of Comanche Native Americans who had massacred her family’s settlement. She lived as a Comanche for twenty-four years, marrying Comanche chief Peta Nocona. She was given the Native American name Naduah, which means “someone found” or “keeps warm with us.”
This statue and tribute site is located at General Worth Square where President John F Kennedy spoke to a crowd of thousands on the morning of November 22, 1963 prior to traveling to Dallas where he was assassinated. Guests to the tribute can view a sculpture of President Kennedy, along with images and descriptions of his speech and his visit to Fort Worth.
One of the most iconic landmarks of Downtown Fort Worth, the Flatiron building is as historic as it is iconic. Based off of the famous 22-story triangular Flatiron Building located at 175 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, the Fort Worth Flatiron combines the best of New York culture with Southern elements to create a building that is simultaneously beautiful, and practical.
St. Patrick Cathedral is the cathedral of the Catholic Church located in Fort Worth, Texas. It is a parish of the Diocese of Fort Worth and the seat of its bishop, Bishop Michael Fors Olson, S.T.D., M.A. St. Patrick's cathedral was constructed beginning in 1888 and dedicated in 1892. The cathedral is proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The United States Post Office is one of Fort Worth's more striking buildings. The massive structure was erected in 1933 and is an excellent example of Beaux-Arts and Classical Revival architecture. Several Corinthian-like columns featuring Longhorn and Hereford cattle depicted in the capitals are located on the front of the building. Other decorative elements include lion heads are and ornamental bas-relief panels. Inside, the lobby runs the entire length of the building and features marble, offices, original decorative features, and facilities for mailhandling operations. The building continues to operate as a post office today. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places 1985.
Built in 1931 and also known as the T&P Station, the Texas and Pacific Terminal Complex is comprised of three buildings: the passenger terminal/office building, a large warehouse, and an outbound freight building. The terminal/office building is thirteen stories high and was converted to loft homes in 2006. It also serves as the western terminus of the Trinity Railway Express commuter rail line. The building is one of the best examples of Art Deco architecture in the city. Specificially, it is known for its "zigzag" moderne design. It was the work of architect Wyat C. Hedrick, who also designed many other buildings in Fort Worth. The complex represents both the height and the beginning of the end of the railroad era in the city, as railroads began to be used less and less starting in the 1950s. The complex was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
Currently operating as a meeting and banquet facility for the Ashton Hotel, Ashton Depot (originally the Santa Fe Depot) was opened in 1899 response to Fort Worth's growing population's demand for railroad service. The Depot has truly witnessed some of the most historic events of the Twentieth Century.
This Tour is a Walking Tour.
Get a QR Code for this tour
This walking tour starts at Tarrant County Courthouse and makes its way south to the Ashton Depot. Along the way, visitors will see landmarks such as the Blackstone Hotel, Sundance Square Plaza, Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, the historic post office, and the Texas and Pacific Terminal Complex.
