Familiarize With Founders: Important Places To The People Who Built Dallas and Fort Worth
Are you smarter than a 5th grader? Learn some new facts or teach your children about the founders of Dallas/Fort Worth. Visit these historical sites before school begins and instill government and life from the late 1800s.
Fort Worth Stock Yards
130 E Exchange Ave
Fort Worth, TX 76164
(817) 624-4741
fortworthstockyards.org
The Fort Worth Stock Yards was the hub for livestock business. Between 1866 and 1890, approximately four million head of cattle stampeded through this area. This is how Fort Worth earned its name as Cowtown. In 1876, the railroad came into Fort Worth and Union Stockyards was constructed. Local ranchers struggled to keep this company moving, so investors came in from Boston. Come learn about the $133,333.33 purchase and what it means to Dallas and Fort Worth today.
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Ball-Eddleman-McFarland House
1110 Penn St
Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 332-5875
historicfortworth.org
Built in 1899, the McFarland House has original oak mantles and has only been occupied by three families since its construction. Designed by an English architect, the structure will leave you in amazement. Make a donation or better yet, tour a historic house and listen to the story behind this Victorian design. As a bonus, Thistle Hill Mansion can be toured as well, only four minutes away.
Pegasus – The Flying Horse
1401 Commerce St
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 915-6500
In 1910, a 29-story building was built with a unique landmark that could be seen from up to 75 miles away. Travelers visiting the big city could see it lit up and rotate from afar. This landmark is Pegasus which sits at the very top of the historic Magnolia Hotel. It was the tallest building in Dallas. Known as Magnolia Oil, it later became Mobile Oil. Today, visit this renovated building named Dallas Magnolia Hotel.
Virgin of Guadalupe Shrine
2215 Ross Ave
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 871-1362
cathedralguadalupe.org
Follow the sounds of history from the Sacred Heart Church to The Cathedral. Find out which bishop designed this 1898 monument and who died during the smallpox epidemic. Take a tour of the second largest cathedral congregation in the nation and witness the 4.5-million spire.
Dallas Heritage Park
1515 S Harwood St
Dallas, TX 75215
(214) 421-5141
dallasheritagevillage.org
Visit the earliest park in Dallas with a swimming pool. In the 1960s, Dallas Heritage Park became a refuge for historic homes and plantations. The first plantation home to be moved to the park was recorded to have African American slaves, the Millermore Mansion. Once Old City Park and now better than ever, come and take part in history. Pack a lunch, enjoy the 20-acre village and participate in blacksmithing or join a book club.
John Neely Bryan Cabin
Elm St and N Market St
Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 421-4500
Finish the day with the most memorable founder of Dallas. In 1839, John Neely Bryan settled east of the Trinity River. He envisioned an excited commerce center and was the postmaster and a storeowner. Because his home was once the courthouse, his cabin sits near the Dallas Courthouse. Soon after his arrival, doctors, lawyers, trains and outlaws came to Dallas.
Julie Watkins is a freelance writer and is passionate about living a healthy lifestyle with her family and friends. She also enjoys studying foreign languages and traveling. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
