In Fort Worth, there’s an unwavering bond between resident and city. A similar bond or, dare we say, infatuation might exist in other cities and towns, but like all loves, this one is unique. Special. Incomparable.
The city has a charm that’s difficult to resist, and while its flaws aren’t always endearing, people aren’t shy to express their admiration for this beautiful town. One can point to specific things as the following 15 love letters to Fort Worth often do — the rodeo, museums, culture, friendly people, etc. — but the real reason for this romance is impossible to identify; it’s far more profound than the Water Gardens or a favorite steakhouse.
Only one thing is sure: To live in Fort Worth is to love Fort Worth.
Dear Fort Worth,
I’ve called you home for almost 40 years. As a child, my mother took me on endless explorations of you. While the Water Gardens, the Botanic Garden, and seeing the Harlem Globetrotters annually at the Convention Center were three of my favorite things, it was your incredible art museums that kept me coming back for more.
I have traveled much of this great world, and never have I been exposed to the quality, quantity, and class of your Cultural District. I remember picnics with my family, Frisbee and hacky sack shenanigans as a teenager and climbing on and throughout the sculptures in the gardens and lawns of the Kimbell Art Museum. I remember studying the architectural lines and light sources of Louis Kahn. I remember seeing my first painting by my favorite artist, Francis Bacon, gracing the Modern Art Museum’s walls, which were the walls of what is now the Fort Worth Community Arts Center. I watched closely as Tadao Ando designed the new Modern and Renzo Piano added to the Kimbell. I have seen the Amon Carter’s transformation and will never forget seeing my mentor, Benito Huerta, grace its walls as the first living artist shown in that museum.
I credit my education of art and my inspiration for art to your contribution of these spaces for myself and so many others. I am lucky to call your city my home. I hope future generations of my family will always hold a spot in your amazing, caring, and nurturing arms.
Lauren Childs
Owner, Fort Works Art
Dear Fort Worth,
I am very proud, as a small business owner, to live in a big city with a small-town feel. I appreciate the entrepreneurial spirit that is evident in the communities in which we live. I love that you offer affordable educational opportunities — whether it be for those who desire to start a business or for those trying to grow an existing business. Thank you for the extended education classes at TCC, TCU, and Texas Wesleyan and to the workshops and counseling offered at the Small Business Development Center.
Although we might have some challenges in the area of rapid growth and the growing pains that come with growth, I have a lot of faith and confidence in our ability to keep the lines of communication open in an effort to “get it right.”
Stephanie Thomas
Co-owner, Drew’s Place Soul Food Restaurant
My beloved Fort Worth,
Oh, how I have loved you for as long as I can remember. Some of my earliest memories of you are riding the miniature train in Forest Park while hearing the occasional roar echoed from the lions at the Fort Worth Zoo.
When I reflect on past memories, I think fondly of our family sitting on top of our Eagle Mountain Lake boathouse observing spectacular sailboat regattas. I also think of driving on the historical bricks of Camp Bowie while taking our daughter to Museum School. And how can I forget that frigid day in January, sleet pounding my face and the steam coming from my horse’s nostrils, when I was honored to represent the newly opened Cowgirl Hall of Fame in the Fort Worth Stock Show parade?
Moreover, I celebrate your world-renowned Cultural District with the likes of the Kimbell and the Modern Art Museum — to name just a few. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention you are one of the equine capitals of the world. Booked full with events year-round at Will Rogers, my home away from home and favorite place to compete. And now, your tower lights boasting ever so proudly after a 20-year hiatus.
How fortunate are we to have city leaders preserving your history — visionaries who are innovative and methodical in all that is cool. And my love, how do you always seem to enlist the best talent, such as architects, artists, and musicians? You never cease to amaze me. Thank you for being authentic to your core and long on integrity; I truly adore your Texas mentality.
During my courtship with David, we were amongst the first patrons at Billy Bob’s on opening night in your historic Stockyards. We sat onstage listening to incredible country music; the lights flickered for last call as we two-stepped to George Strait’s “Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind?” That would be an emphatic YES! We have lived in every major city in Texas, and magically, all roads led me back home to you.
Stacie McDavid
Entrepreneur and Vice President of the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame
Dear Fort Worth,
In 2001 while working in Costa Rica for an international company, I was offered a sales position that required for me to relocate to Fort Worth.
Because of Fort Worthians being so welcoming, I immediately started meeting new people and established wonderful friendships that have lasted for almost 20 years. You are the city where I met my wife, Jane, and we now have three children that love their hometown. You are the best place on earth to start and raise a family.
I was fascinated by how proud your residents are, and I quickly learned that Fort Worthians don’t like when someone implies you are from Dallas.
My work requires that I travel a lot, and I have yet to find another city that can successfully balance new development and at the same time keep, preserve, and embrace the Western heritage as well as you do. Not to mention one of the few cities where people still cordially let you change lanes on the freeway.
I truly believe that 20 years ago, if I had moved to any other city than Fort Worth, I probably would have gone back to Costa Rica. Thank you, Fort Worth; I’m extremely proudly to call you my home.
Ricardo Porras
Indian Rubber Co
Dearest Fort Worth,
My love for you makes me proud. You inspire me to serve and make things better. As I see you grow, I am thankful of the good things you are and the great things you are becoming. Inspiration a la Jim Morrison:
Rolling down your Stockyards
Eating at Joe T’s
If they say I never loved you,
You know they are a liar.
Drivin’ down your freeways
TEXRail trains are rolling
Dogs in parks
The museums and art
Never saw a City so alive, so alive!
Are you a native in the City of Fort Worth or just a welcome visitor?
Either way: welcome, bienvenidos, and howdy!
Fort Worth, I luv ya!
Carlos E. Flores
City Councilmember District 2
Dear city of Fort Worth,
I moved to here in 1973. I am a native of Austin and possibly the only person you have ever met who would never want to go back home to Austin. Home is here in Fort Worth. So, let me share with you why I love you, Fort Worth.
I love seeing the incredible progress and growth of your community — you have doubled in size in my 40-plus years here. What I love most about you is downtown and the incredible Sundance Square. Your downtown is the envy of most every city in America. If we can solve the funding problems going forward, the Trinity River Vision and Panther Island will be the game changer for your future. People transfer here, as I did, and never want to leave. People find the finest museums, rodeos, arenas, and culture in this part of the USA. And now, not one but two medical schools. As publisher of the Star-Telegram, I had the pleasure and opportunity to work with most of your leaders for many years. They are the most talented and caring people who always seem to put your best interests first. I love the incredible volunteer and servant leaders you have had, and I have witnessed great leadership by so many wonderful mayors from Bob Bolen, Kay Granger, Ken Barr, Mike Moncrief, and now the incredible Betsy Price. Your community has been blessed to have their leadership. You are a city that is constantly giving back to its community; when one combines the spirit and style of Fort Worth with the unbeatable power of the great state of Texas, you have a formula for never-ending success.
Sincerely,
Wes Turner
Publisher, Star-Telegram (1997 – 2008)
My dear beloved Fort Worth,
Oh, how I love your big, compassionate, caring, and omnipresent shoulders. Day and night, all 365 of them, your shoulders lift and strengthen our community.
During our darkest moments for children, men, women, and families who have no home — and often no hope — your commitment to house, feed, and heal is relentless and from the heart.
You promote wellness for the weakest of us and make certain that food is available and to help heal the broken.
Your shoulders are strong enough to soon ensure every third-grade child can read at a third-grade level. Empowerment begins with knowledge.
Fort Worth, you strive to make Christmas a joyous occasion for every child and family. Through the Goodfellows Fund, Speedway Children’s Charities, and countless other organizations raising hundreds of thousands of dollars, our children experience the magic of a visit from Santa.
When our call is urgent, our first responders, civic and nonprofit leaders, and a diverse array of clergy, ensure your shoulders carry the load.
While your shoulders are mighty, your soul and heart shine like a beacon. There is a genuine compassion and warmth in our great city that I have never experienced before. It’s the feeling I get when I see our magnificent skyline each night that welcomes me home.
In our home, we do indeed have a love affair going on with our beloved city of Fort Worth with grand hopes of the best becoming even better.
With love and appreciation,
Rosie Moncrief
Philanthropist and former First Lady of Fort Worth
Oh, hey, Fort Worth,
You’re pretty stinkin’ cute for being 170 years old.
To be fair, I love you for all the same reasons 900,000 other Fort Worthians love you: Your energy is palpable, the community is like an exclusive club, and the pride we have is mind-boggling to anyone not from here. The local restaurants and hot spots are growing, and the beer is always flowing.
But to me, it’s your past that made me fall for you.
Your past is not one that people may know a lot about — a past that even I haven’t begun to scratch the surface on — but each day, I learn something new and fascinating about you that I want to share with the world! In case you haven’t noticed, the photos I collect of you reinforce a love for the way you once were. I find myself driving down roads of a once heavily traveled Jacksboro Highway. Entranced by the fading structures that were once home to a booming Fort Worth nightlife for the rowdy to the respectable alike to being in awe of the grandeur of the T&P station and the slow-decaying corner store that tells a story of a once lively neighborhood, a simpler way of life, and the tales of people who were also proud to call you home. But most of all, your past gives me a sense of gratitude. It’s allowed me to understand a lot about myself. Not only does it encourage my creativity, but it shows me the importance of being aware of my own heritage and history — and to never forget where I came from. After all, it’s your history that sets you apart from all other cities in the Great State of Texas, and it’s your history that defines who and what we are as a city and as a community.
That’s not to say we don’t have our disagreements. You must grow, and with growth comes change, even if that means more traffic, another apartment complex, or a new shopping center — I suppose that’s just life.
You must make new history and continue to move forward, but never forget your roots. I realize that what we do today will define how future generations will view those before them. Because of this, I only want to grow old with you and make you, and everyone a part of you, proud. So, thank you. Just no more parking lots, please.
xoxo
Michael Govea
Fort Worth Historical
Dear Fort Worth,
I was lured to you by the evidenced love your wonderful community had for its zoo — a love it has shown for more than 100 years.
As director of the zoo during our centennial celebration in 2009, I learned about your history and deep connection with the zoo. I read accounts of how we had been embraced by your citizens.
When the zoo was barely 4 years old, the parks board voted to abolish the zoo, but a huge public outcry reversed the decision and even led to you, the city, investing more.
In 1923, you established the Elephant Fund to purchase the first elephant, the basis from which the zoo’s love affair with elephants began (and continues strongly).
In 1939, your citizens organized the Fort Worth Zoological Society to raise money and hold the first-ever membership drive. The society became a nonprofit association in 1950 and bought the first giraffe.
While it appeared your love for the zoo waned in 1954 when our python Pete made an escape (and national headlines), Pete was soon recovered, and the mutual love we have for one another continued ably. (In the zoo community, this was believed to be a fabricated publicity stunt, but we’ll never know for sure.)
In the boldest display yet of your citizens’ commitment, the association assumed daily management of the zoo, although your support never diminished.
Few city zoos have experienced such storied support and commitment from their hometown government and citizens. You, Fort Worth, have demonstrated to us repeatedly that the zoo is an apple of your eye, and for that, we declare our unwavering affection.
Michael Fouraker
Executive Director, Fort Worth Zoo
Dear Fort Worth,
“I love Fort Worth.”
“Fort Worth is special.”
I heard that many times while considering moving to you more than 19 years ago. But locals believing their city is special is not a unique concept. It’s when it is a reality that makes it one of a kind.
There’s a subtle sophistication to you that towers over expectations. You, as a city, don’t just give a nod to culture; you present a Cultural District that cannot be described but must be visited. You don’t just have a zoo; you have a world-class educational experience. Your civic leaders and innovators don’t just casually plan a city; you have spectacular areas such as the Near Southside, Alliance, West 7th, and the best downtown in the nation. You don’t just have music; you host The Cliburn. You don’t just “rodeo”; you make it legendary.
But, your greatest asset is your people. There is a genteel, courtly code about the way they treat each other. There is a particular “way to be” within your city limits, and it is infectious.
So please pardon me if I jump on the bandwagon and say – you are really special, and I love you.
Johnny Campbell
President and CEO, City Center Fort Worth
Dear Fort Worth,
When I was in junior high school, high school, and even at TCU, I dreamed of living and working in a more metropolitan city. I even tried to escape from you a couple of times. But when I look back at the experiences and the people I’ve known, I wouldn’t change a thing. I believe I had a charmed and wonderful childhood here mainly through the Museum of Science and History. I realize now how it shaped my life; it was a magical place for me through its Experimental Art Program because I knew from an early age that I wanted to be an artist. I was completely nurtured and supported there, and it was so much fun that, for 34 years, I thought I’d teach there too!
I guess I could’ve gone to New York or LA or San Francisco like a few of my early patrons wanted me to — and had a different kind of career — but I think for me, I’ve been in the right place my whole life, and Fort Worth is now burgeoning into even more of the kind of city that I imagined I wanted all those years ago.
I love Fort Worth, and I love the people of Fort Worth, and I’m honored to call it my hometown!
Nancy Lamb
Artist
Dear Fort Worth,
I am so proud to call you home. Culture is the soul of a city. Culture is developed, nurtured, and must be protected. Your support of our creative community is second to none. When I travel as a musician and tell people about our community, and our city, they are amazed and envious. I was out at Fred’s at a Luke Wade show when I first set eyes on the woman that would become my wife, and my life would change forever. I made a home here and don’t plan to ever leave.
Being heard and seen as an artist can be such an uphill battle, and without an advocate, it feels like throwing punches in the dark sometimes. Knowing that you see me as an integral part of the future you see for yourself gives me and my friends a sense of purpose and belonging that I do not take for granted.
I love that you are big enough to always have something yet to be discovered about you — a surprise or secret to find. You are also small enough to still feel like I can wrap my arms around you, enough to always feel I know what you are doing, where you are growing, and what events you have going on. You change and evolve constantly, but you are still the city I know. You are big enough that there is plenty of room for new talent and new ideas and smart enough to protect and appreciate what was already here. Those of us who are lucky enough to be woven into the fabric of this city’s soul will forever have a unique friend in Fort Worth.
Your friend forever,
Sean Russell
Cut Throat Finches
Dearest Fort Worth, Texas,
There is so much to say to you — where do I begin? Let’s start from 1975, the year I was born. As I have grown up in this town, this beautiful city has grown with me, and I just love the direction it has taken. You have a warm, small-town feel with a big-city appeal.
Your expansion blows my mind. I’ve seen I-30 widen, downtown come to life, and Seventh Street dance the night away. The museums have multiplied, retail development is on fire, and the restaurant scene is positively delicious!
And of course, saving the best thank you for last: With the long-anticipated planned toll road in the works since the late ’70s/early ’80s, THANK YOU for the well-thought-out vision to expand our city with the Chisholm Trail Parkway!
Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. The kindness and generosity that you have shown me have not gone unnoticed. From folks holding doors for strangers to the kind gentlemen in this town who still have old-fashioned manners, Fort Worth, I will always hold you close. You speak my love language!
PS: Dickies Arena makes me squeal!
Christy Dunaway Smith
SoFortWorthIt
Dearest Funky Town,
You’re not just one thing. And that’s what I love about you. You’re complex. Nuanced. Evolving. I love who you’ve been. But I am even more in love with who you’re becoming.
You challenge me to be the best version of myself and grow alongside you. You’re the best dancing partner. Your natural rhythm is not too fast, but not too slow. It’s just right. You inspire collaboration, connectivity, and community like no other. You encourage me, you empower me, and you remind me to dream so big that my ambitions are broad enough to include the aspirations of others.
You keep me guessing. You’re full of surprises. You’re historically conservative, yet surprisingly progressive. You’re cowboy grit meets modern art appreciation. Your style is the perfect mix of boots, bolos, and bohemian. You’re a consortium of contradictions that only make sense in this funky little-big town.
I accept you, flaws and all. That’s right, dear, you’re not perfect. Nor am I. But I want us to grow together. I want us to be better tomorrow than we are today.
I owe much of who I am to you, Fort Worth. Thank you for embracing my new ideas and evoking my Texas-sized dreams.
Love you always and forever,
Jonathan Morris
Fort Worth Barber Shop