Fort Worth is a major city in north-central Texas, known for its deep Western roots, cultural institutions, and role in the broader Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. Once a stop on the Chisholm Trail, it blends cowboy heritage with modern sophistication.
Overview
- Population: ~960,000 (part of a metro area with over 7.5 million people)
- Nicknames: Cowtown, Panther City
- Founded: 1849 as an Army outpost on the Trinity River
- Geography: Located west of Dallas in Tarrant County, North Texas
Landmarks and Attractions
- Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District
- Sundance Square – downtown shopping and entertainment
- Kimbell Art Museum and Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
- Fort Worth Zoo – ranked among the best in the U.S.
- Fort Worth Botanic Garden and Water Gardens
- Texas Motor Speedway
Economy
Fort Worth has a diversified economy including:
- Aerospace and aviation – home to Lockheed Martin and Bell Helicopter
- Defense and manufacturing
- Oil and gas
- Education, healthcare, and logistics
Culture and Identity
- Strong Western identity and cowboy culture
- Hosts the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo (since 1896)
- Celebrated arts scene with internationally acclaimed museums
- Blend of Texas pride and family-friendly charm
Education and Innovation
- Texas Christian University (TCU) and Texas A&M School of Law
- Growth in tech, logistics, and biomedical research
- Cultural capital with an emphasis on the performing arts
Transportation
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) serves the region
- Trinity Metro and TEXRail connect Fort Worth with Dallas and surrounding cities
- I-35W and I-30 are major highway corridors
Fun Facts
- Long known as “Where the West Begins”
- The Fort Worth Herd offers twice-daily cattle drives through the Stockyards
- Originally planned as one of ten U.S. Army forts to protect settlers moving west