On this day in 1963, President John F. Kennedy addressed Fort Worth before his assassination. Let’s look back at how he spent his last day in Cowtown.
On Thursday, Nov. 21, JFK and Jackie Kennedy touched down at Carswell Air Force Base late in the evening, greeting the 6,000 people gathered to welcome them. The president headed to Hotel Texas — now the Hilton Fort Worth — for his last night in Suite 850.
On Friday, Nov. 22 at 9 a.m., JFK stepped up on a temporary stage in the parking lot across from the hotel — where the JFK Tribute now stands — for an impromptu rally.
Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson and Texas Governor John Connally joined him for the rainy remarks, the last time the president addressed the public. During his speech, JFK lauded locals, saying “There are no faint hearts in Fort Worth...”
The president then returned to the hotel for a breakfast speech for the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, where Mrs. Kennedy debuted her iconic pink ensemble with her pillbox hat.
Afterwards, the president’s motorcade paraded through downtown, headed back to Carswell and Air Force One took off for Dallas Love Field at 11:25 a.m.
The following hours have been told and retold for 60 years, but Fort Worth will never forget the city’s role in the 35th US president’s last day.
Remember JFK with a stop at the downtown memorial or check out these other goings-on in Dallas:
- JFK 60, Dallas City Hall | On display through Friday, Dec. 8.
- Dallas Municipal Archives, Top Ten Records | Wednesday, Nov. 22 at 1 p.m.
- “Two Days in Texas,” The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza | On display through June 16, 2024
- “He Was a Lovely Red,” Dallas Central Library | Runs Wedensday, Nov. 29-Saturday, Dec. 23
The Kennedy’s arrived at Carswell Air Force Base on Thursday, Nov. 21, 1963. | Photo courtesy of UTA Libraries
John F. Kennedy speaking alongside V.P. Lyndon B. Johnson and Texas Governor John Connally. | Photo courtesy of UTA Libraries
JFK speaking to the crowd outside Hotel Texas. | Photo courtesy of UTA Libraries
John and Jackie Kennedy being escorted to their table at the Chamber of Commerce breakfast. | Photo courtesy of UTA Libraries
John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy at the Chamber of Commerce breakfast. | Photo courtesy of UTA Libraries
JKF signed autographs at Carswell Air Force Base before he headed to Dallas Love Field. | Photo courtesy of UTA Libraries