NEWS - Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and Sterquell Wagon Collection

The Cavalry and Texas: New Exhibit Explores the Link

April 14, 2003

FORT WORTH, Texas - A new "Texas and the Cavalry" exhibit at the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame in the Stockyards National Historic District highlights Fort Worth and Texas' historical connection to our nation's cavalrymen. The Cavalry exhibit, a salute to the U.S. Cavalry Association Bivouac and Cavalry Competition to be held in Fort Worth in May, will be on display through Spring 2004.

"From the establishment of Fort Worth by dragoons in 1849 to the countless horses purchased in the Stockyards by the U.S. Army, the Cavalry has played a central role in Fort Worth's history," said Douglas Harman, President and CEO of the Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau. "The exhibit details the historical significance of the Cavalry to Fort Worth and Texas."

The relationship between Texas and the U.S. Cavalry can be traced back to 1845, when Texas became a state. The cavalry's involvement in Texas was instrumental in frontier protection, warding off Indian attacks, border disputes with Mexico, and the Civil War. Texas was also important to the U.S. Cavalry for training and logistical purposes from 1845 to World War II.

As with Fort Worth, numerous Texas communities began as cavalry posts. Fort Davis and Fort Griffin, among many others, were once home to the U.S. Cavalry. The cavalrymen and their leaders stationed at these forts came from varied racial and ethnic backgrounds. One example of this diversity is the Buffalo Soldiers who served in Texas, protecting our state and nation and contributing to Texas' rich, multi-cultural heritage.

Fort Worth's connection to the Cavalry was bolstered by Camp Bowie, as the U.S. Army and the 36th Division's remount depots covered nearly all of west Fort Worth during World War I. The Stockyards emerged as the leading site for horse and mule purchases by the United States and other nation's armies, further strengthening Cavalry ties. As in Fort Worth, the Cavalry's presence in Texas was a key contributor to the state's economy, with millions of dollars spent on facilities, supplies, salaries, and food for the horses and mules. Today, the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame is housed in one of the Stockyards former horse and mule barns, a fitting home to the Cavalry exhibit and a lasting tribute to Texas' Cavalry legacy.

The "Texas and the Cavalry" exhibit brings the dragoons to life, displaying numerous photographs and illustrations of cavalrymen, early Fort Worth, and various Cavalry divisions. Maps of the Texas Military Frontier detail the role of the Cavalry from 1852-1942. The life and work of cavalrymen is also depicted by historical magazine and newspaper articles/photos.

In addition to the Cavalry images, the exhibit showcases "Cavalry Heritage & Equipment." Books, such as "Life On The Plains" by General G.A. Custer, and Cavalry manuals are showcased. Cavalry regalia including a coat and medals are on display, as well as boots, sabers, canteens, a saddle, and other gear. The items shown are from the personal collection of Douglas Harman, President and CEO of the Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the exhibit is a direct result of his efforts.

Visitors to the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame can view the exhibit to learn the integral part the Cavalry played in Texas' development as a state and in our nation's military history. The Cavalry exhibit compliments the museum's permanent Sterquell Wagon Collection exhibit, the John Justin Trail of Fame, and the many Hall of Fame cowboy profiles. The Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame details the enormous contributions made by cowboys of all walks of life.

Tickets to the museum are $4 for adults, $3 for seniors (60 years+), and $2 for children (3-12 years). The museum is open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. on Sunday. The Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame is located at 128 East Exchange Avenue in the Stockyards National Historic District. For more information about the museum, call 817-626-7131 or visit www.texascowboyhalloffame.com.