In the late 1800’s, land owners began crossing off routes with barbed wire, effectively closing the Chisholm Trail. | Photo courtesy of UTA Libraries
Earlier this week, we walked you through a brief history of Fort Worth between the 1840s and 1860s — during which the infamous slogan “Where the West Begins” was born. Today, we’re taking you further with a look inside the 1870s and beyond.
Enter the 1870s
During the early 1870s, construction of the Texas and Pacific Railway (T&P) was rocketing across the state from east to west, reaching from Longview to Eagle Ford, a town just west of Dallas.
The Panic of 1873 hit, and Jay Cooke & Co., the Philadelphia-based investment firm financing the railroad, went under. It took another three years to build the 30 miles of tracks to Fort Worth.
The stalled railroad project swept the feet out from under the burgeoning Fort Worth and left the streets empty — prompting the sleeping panther joke that gave our city its nickname.
Cowtown residents, including John Peter Smith, banded together to form the Tarrant County Construction Co. and pooled money, labor, and supplies to restart the railroad construction in 1875.
Hot Ghost Summer Paint Night | 6-8 p.m. | El Garambullo Mexican Restaurant, Hurst | $36 | Watermelon sugar, boo — have a ghoulish time creating a unique Summerween-inspired painting.
Playtown Blues Jam | 8-11 p.m. | Magnolia Motor Lounge | Free | On this week’s episode of the Motor Lounge’s free show — enjoy live blues + remember, no ticket is required for entry.
Friday, Aug. 1
Barcelona Barbecue | 6:30-9 p.m. | Central Market | $110 | See how the grilled steak with Spanish blue cheese butter compares to a Cowboy bone-in rib eye from Cattlemen’s.
“Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood” | 7:30 p.m. | Old Bedford School, Bedford | $27 | Onstage in Bedford presents Ken Ludwig’s comedy tale featuring characters like Little John and Maid Marian.
Saturday, Aug. 2
Dog Day at the Museum | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | DFW Car and Toy Museum | Free | Your dog could become TikTok famous — enjoy free admission and get your good boy or girl in front of the camera to show off their best tricks.
Pints + Poses with NTXWC | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Hop and Sting Brewing Co., Grapevine | Free | Join North Texas Wildlife Center for a stretch and flow session, chased by a pint of beer from the “best brewery in Tarrant County” as voted by the Star-Telegram Reader’s Choice awards.
Sundae Fundae Ride | 5-7:30 p.m. | Trek Bicycle Arlington South, Arlington | Cost of purchase | Work up a sweat, then chase it with some ice cream from Mad Mike’s — this is a go-at-your-own-pace social ride where you can meet fellow riders and then treat yourself to a cool snack.
Face Value: Rudy Hetzer Solo Art Exhibition | 6-9 p.m. | Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection | Cost of purchase | RSVP online to meet the former “Best Ink” contestant and be the first to view his bold new collection — editor’s tip: grab a Bowie House Old Fashioned from the hotel bar.
Loud for Love Benefit Concert | 6-10 p.m. | Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall | $52+ | Six local artists from Amplify 817 donate their performance to benefit the communities continuing to recover from the devastating Central Texas floods.
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The Cowtown Marathon medals have been revealed for the 2026-2028 races. Next year’s race kicks off a brand new medals series, including a golden hat, boot, and sign. The 2026 race is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 28 and Sunday, March 1. Registration is open now. (NBC 5 DFW)
Pets
Pet lovers, you’re invited. On Friday, Aug. 16 and Saturday, Aug. 17, attend the Mega Adoption event hosted by Fort Worth Animal Care & Control at the Amon G. Carter Jr. Exhibits Hall. Over 1,000 pets are ready for a forever home, and yours could join the FTWtoday fam.
Sports
Former NFL running back and TCU All-American LaDainian Tomlinson donated his golden Hall of Fame jacket to his alma mater. No word yet on where the jacket will be displayed, but catch the Horned Frogs open the upcoming season on Monday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. versus the North Carolina Tar Heels. (Fort Worth Magazine)
Coming Soon
Release your inner child at the upcoming Dave and Buster’s. The Dallas-based arcade and restaurant has filed city plans to open up a location in south Fort Worth on McAlister Road. We don’t have construction details yet, but we do know this will be FTW’s first Dave and Buster’s. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
Ranked
This week, the US News & World Report released its 2025 list of the Best Hospitals in Texas. At No. 1 is Houston Methodist Hospital, while Fort Worth’s Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center came in at No. 13. Follow WFAA’s Paul Livengood for the latest.
Listen
Keep an eye on the Longhorns’ football freshmen, because there are a handful of heavy-hitters. Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Texas Longhorns with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Real Estate
On the hunt for a new community? Oxenfree Rowlett is now leasing one- to six-bedroom homes and townhomes ~an hour from Fort Worth. Get the space and style of a single-family home — minus the upkeep. Enjoy private yards, coworking lounges, a resort-style pool, and more. Take a look around.*
Shop
Could your feet be comfier right now? We’ve got two summer shoe recommendations: these ultra-cushioned pillow slides and tried and true classic Crocs.*
Older Adults
Beyond bulk deals and clipping coupons, did you know several retailers offer customers 55+ hefty discounts — sometimes up to 20% off? Learn about key Senior discounts and several more savings hacks older adults should know about to continue saving and building wealth at age 50+.*
A clear crossbody bag to fit all your essentials for summer concerts + future sporting events. We love this option’s adjustable strap, smooth zipper, and chic hardware.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Earlier this week, we quizzed readers on the shoe size of Big Tex, the face of the State Fair of Texas. 57.1% of readers got the answer correct — Big Tex wears a size 96 Lucchese.
ICYMI, — his boots will be on loan at the Smithsonian Museum’s “State Fairs: Growing American Craft” exhibit in Washington DC from Friday, Aug. 22, through Sept. 7, 2026.
The Wrap
The Wrap
Today’s edition by: Elizabeth Hastings
Whenever I’m feeling tired of a classic turkey sandwich and chips for lunch, I remember I have free will and I can order from any restaurant I want. Yesterday, it was the No. 6 lunch special from Mexican Inn Cafe on Camp Bowie — seasoned chicken and Mexican rice topped with chile con queso with a bean chalupa.
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