Fort Worth officials kicked off a celebration of the Chisholm Trail’s 150th anniversary today with a kickoff event in Sundance Square.
“This is an important part of our Western heritage that’s celebrated twice-daily with the Fort Worth Herd cattle drive,” said Bob Jameson, FWCVB president and CEO in a news release. “We are honored to celebrate this anniversary with our partners who have curated fantastic exhibits and events dedicated to the 150th that continue to tell the story of the Chisholm Trail.”
The Chisholm Trail route was used in the post-Civil War era to drive cattle in Texas to Kansas railheads. Fort Worth was the last stop for rest and supplies in Texas on the Chisholm Trail. Between 1866-1890, drovers trailed more than four million head of cattle through Fort Worth and spurred the city’s growth.
There will be several celebrations in and around the city to commemorate the trail. The Stockyards will host a special parade at 4 p.m. on May 13 following the cattle drive.
A special Chisholm Trail website produced by the FWCVB, FortWorth.com/ChisholmTrail150 features special anniversary content and information about partner events and exhibitions such as:
• Sid Richardson Museum “Hide & Horn on the Chisholm Trail” exhibit
• Orchard Theater of Texas “Spirit of the Trail” musical
• Special exhibits and programs at the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame, The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art
The Convention and Visitors Bureau also unveiled an official logo for the celebration and Mayor Betsy Price presented a certificate of recognition to the Tarrant County Historical Commission and Texas State Historical Commission for their work in preserving the memory of the Chisholm Trail.