Dallas and Fort Worth both have a Wild West past filled with entrepreneurs, developers, gunslingers, ranchers, and settlers looking to make Texas their home. Dallas was founded in 1841 as just another small town on the Western Frontier. Due some ingenious sneakiness by some forefathers, the railroad was tricked into coming through the town, ensuring Dallas’ future as a commercial center.

Fort Worth on the other hand, received its name in 1849 in honor of Army General William Jenkins Worth, who set up forts to mark and protect the west Texas frontier. Together, Dallas – Fort Worth became the population powerhouse typically referred to as the Metroplex. Lucky for us, many historical photos and postcards of the early days have been saved to be treasured. Take a look:

1. Main Street, Dallas - 1872
coltera/Flickr
Note the interesting storefront names, such as Lobenstein Hides Wool & Peltries, seen in the front right corner.
2. A pair of early settlers in Fort Worth - Undated
University of North Texas Libraries / Cattle Raisers Museum
3. Illustrious Texas Rangers - late 1800s.
University of North Texas Libraries / Cattle Raisers Museum
Whenever there was a threat to Texas, these cowboys came together to protect their state.
4. 13th annual State Fair of Texas - 1898
Courtesy of BigTex
The first was in 1886, which drew in 14,000 people on opening day!
5. Downtown Dallas - early 1900s
coltera/Flickr
The city leaders were already envisioning impressive buildings and ways to make Dallas the place to settle down.
6. Fort Worth territory - turn of the century
University of North Texas Libraries / Cattle Raisers Museum
The Fort Worth Stock Yards brought in cattle drives from all over the West.
7. Dallas store interior - early 1900s
coltera/Flickr
This photo shows the store clerks at full attention at Jack Browder's shop.
8. Dallas Parade - early 1900s
coltera/Flickr
Parades were a big draw, even at the turn of the century.
9. New Exchange Building, Fort Worth - 1903
Stockyards Museum

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10. Overcrowded cattle pens at the Fort Worth Stockyard - early 1900s
Stockyards Museum
11. Cotton Market, Dallas - early 1900s
coltera/Flickr
The thriving textile industry and rail transportation helped cement Dallas' longevity as a city.
12. Fort Worth area - 1906
University of North Texas Libraries / Cattle Raisers Museum
A group of surveyors breaking camp after a long day's work.
13. Armour & Co., Fort Worth - early 1900s
Stockyards Museum
14. Dipping sheep, Fort Worth - 1907
coltera/Flickr
This protects the livestock from infestation against parasites.
15. Flooded railroad tracks, Dallas - 1908
coltera/Flickr
16. Ursula Convent, Dallas - 1909
coltera/Flickr
17. The Akard Streetcar, Dallas - 1910
coltera/Flickr
18. Fields of Flight, Dallas area - 1914
coltera/Flickr

 

Would you have liked to have lived in the Dallas – Fort Worth area during the days of the Wild West? What type of vocation would you have wanted to have and why? Let us know in the comments below!

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