In 1849 Major Ripley Arnold and a troop of soldiers were ordered to set up Fort Worth and protect the settlers in North Texas. By 1853, the frontier moved west. The fort was abandoned and the buildings that were left became the town of Fort Worth. By 1856 the citizens stole the county records from Birdville and won the county seat.

Soon Fort Worth became a frequent stop for cattlemen herding through the area. Wild longhorns that roamed the open range were free for the taking. Many cowboys herded them up, branded them, and drove them north for a large profit. By 1866, the city had earned its reputation as "Cowtown," and was in the middle of the Chisholm Trail. The city now began to prosper as a leader in the cattle business.

Many travelers looking for a break in the monotony of traveling the open range now frequented Fort Worth. There they found hot meals, saloons, gambling and bordello. The town soon earned a reputation as "Hells half acre." Even Butch Cassidy and The Hole-in-the-wall Gang found the city a entertaining place to stop.

By 1872, the citizens of Fort Worth were eager to connect to the railroad. Plans were mapped out, resembling a tarantula to many. In 1876, despite numerous difficulties, it was completed. With the opening of various meat packing companies, Fort Worth was soon to become one of the major beef suppliers in the country, and continued to be until the 1960s. It was then that the Swift and Armour companies closed their doors.

In 1976 the Fort Worth Stockyards were renovated and is now one of the most famous and fun historical sites in Texas.