Fort Worth in Tarrant County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Fort Worth Stockyards Horse and Mule Barns
Photographed By Steve Gustafson, August 29, 2009
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. (Marker Number 2035.)
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Location. 32° 47.309′ N, 97° 20.809′ W. Marker is in Fort Worth, Texas, in Tarrant County. Marker is on E. Exchange Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 402 E Exchange Street, Fort Worth TX 76164, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Quanah Parker (within shouting distance of this marker); The Fort Worth Stock Yards Company (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Worth Livestock Exchange (within shouting distance of this marker); The Trailblazer (within shouting distance of this marker); Early Quarter Horse Shows (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); America's First Horse (about 300 feet away); The Coliseum (about 400 feet away); The First Bulldogger (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Worth.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 1, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 9, 2010, by Steve Gustafson of Lufkin, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,568 times since then and 64 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on March 9, 2010, by Steve Gustafson of Lufkin, Texas. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
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