Fort Worth in Tarrant County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Fort Worth Stockyards Horse and Mule Barns
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, November 9, 2025
1. Fort Worth Stockyards Horse and Mule Barns Marker
The Fort Worth Stock Yard Company's wooden horse and mule barns on this site were destroyed by fire on March 14, 1911, opening day of the Feeders and Breeders show (later Southwestern Exposition & Fat Stock Show). The show opened as planned, with former President Theodore Roosevelt giving the opening address. The company announced plans to replace the destroyed barns immediately with new concrete and steel fireproof buildings. Construction was completed in March 1912 and the new barns measuring 540' x 350' had a capacity for 3000 animals. With a price tag of $300,000, the buildings were described as among the finest stables in the world.
Activity here increased considerably in 1914, at the outbreak of World War I. Horses and mules were needed in great supply by European armies, and agents were sent in droves to Fort Worth to buy stock, spending an $11 million. During that time, Fort Worth was designated the largest horse and mule market in the world.
The wide space between the buildings has over the years spawned the nickname "Mule Alley". In recent years the barns have been used for various cultural activities and annual events.
Erected 1986 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Industry & Commerce • War, World I. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #26 Theodore Roosevelt series list. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1901.
Location. 32° 47.328′ N, 97° 20.855′ W. Marker is in Fort Worth, Texas, in Tarrant County. It is on East Exchange Avenue, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 128 E Exchange Ave, Fort Worth TX 76164, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region. It is also in the American South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Fort Worth Stockyards Horse and Mule Barns (here, next to this marker); The Coliseum (within shouting distance of this marker); The First Bulldogger (within shouting distance of this marker); The Fort Worth Stock Yards Company (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Thomas B. Saunders Family (about 300 feet away); Fort Worth Stock Yards Entrance (about 300 feet away); Fort Worth Livestock Exchange (about 300 feet away); Thannisch Block Building (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Worth.
Other markers no longer nearby. Early Quarter Horse Shows (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing);
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, November 9, 2025
2. Fort Worth Stockyards Horse and Mule Barns Marker
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This is a duplicate marker located a short distance away.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 9, 2010, by Steve Gustafson of Lufkin, Texas. This page has been viewed 2,526 times since then and 101 times this year. Last updated on November 9, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 9, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A photo of the marker and the surrounding area in context. • Can you help?
