Do you know which famous musician was born right here in Fort Worth? Let’s see if these 10 fun Fort Worth facts (try saying that 5 times fast) make you stronger or leave you broken up inside. We’ve been waiting for a moment like this.
Members of The Herd at the Stockyards | Photo via @fortworthstockyards
- The Stockyards Hotel was a hideout for the infamous outlaw duo Bonnie + Clyde while they tried to escape the hands of the law.
- The Fort Worth Zoo was the first to be developed in the state. When it opened in 1909, it only housed 1 lion, 2 bear cubs, 1 alligator, 1 coyote, 1 peacock + a few rabbits. 🦁
- Fort Worth is the site of the world’s only twice-daily cattle drive. In the heart of the Stockyards National Historic District, visitors can see The Herd pass every day at 11:30 a.m. + 4 p.m. 🐮
- More than half (60%) of the paper money printed in the United States is printed at the US Bureau of Engraving + Printing Western Currency facility in Fort Worth. 💵
- Fort Worth’s annual Southwestern Exposition + Livestock Show is the oldest running livestock and rodeo show in the United States.
- A light bulb, now in the Livestock Exchange Building at the Stockyards, holds the world record for the second longest-lasting light bulb. It was originally installed in the Byers Opera House in 1908, and has reportedly been burning ever since.The light bulb was originally installed in the Byers Opera House in 1908. 💡
- Pop star Kelly Clarkson was born in Fort Worth. She was the first winner of American Idol + has gone on to add author and talk show host to her already impressive resume. 🎤
- The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is the oldest in the state. Established in 1934, it sits on 110 acres.🌷
- Portions of the iconic 90s television series Walker, Texas Ranger (starring Chuck Norris) were filmed throughout Fort Worth.
- Fort Worth was a stop along the Chisholm Trail, which was used to transport cattle from Texas to Kansas in the 19th century. In fact, it eventually earned the nickname Cowtown.
