Fort Worth in Tarrant County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Fort Worth Stockyards Horse and Mule Barns
Photographed by Brian Anderson, May 18, 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
this page online
Erected 1986 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 2035.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1912.
Location. 32° 47.326′ N, 97° 20.855′ W. Marker is in Fort Worth, Texas, in Tarrant County. It is at the intersection of East Exchange Avenue and Mule Alley, on the right when traveling east on East Exchange Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 122 East Exchange Avenue, 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: The Coliseum (within shouting distance of this marker); The First Bulldogger (within shouting
Photographed by Brian Anderson, May 18, 2025
2. Fort Worth Stockyards Horse and Mule Barns
Other markers no longer nearby. Early Quarter Horse Shows (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing); The Trailblazer (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing); America's First Horse (was about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been confirmed missing).
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This is a duplicate marker located a short distance away.
Also see . . . Fort Worth Stockyards - The Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association (TSHA) (Submitted on May 23, 2025, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio.)
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, November 9, 2025
3. Fort Worth Stockyards Mule Alley Entrance
Credits. This page was last revised on June 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 23, 2025, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio. This page has been viewed 242 times since then and 40 times this year. Last updated on November 9, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 23, 2025, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio. 3. submitted on November 9, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
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