At a Glance
- Texas Longhorn Legacy plans a 37,000-sq-ft museum at the Fort Worth Stockyards.
- Groundbreaking could begin in 2026 after city approval.
- The museum will showcase the Longhorn’s role in Texas ranching and cattle drives.
- Why it matters: It preserves a key Texas cultural icon and becomes an educational hub.
A nonprofit foundation is poised to build a museum that celebrates the Texas Longhorn, a symbol of the state’s ranching heritage. The proposed 37,000-square-foot space will sit on the north end of the Fort Worth Stockyards, near Exchange and Stockyard Boulevard.
The location is strategic, linking the museum to the historic heart of Texas cattle drives and offering easy access for visitors and school field trips. The foundation envisions the building as a gateway entrance to the Stockyards, integrating history with contemporary education.
The museum’s mission is to tell the story of how the Longhorn became a Texas icon and to highlight the trail system that helped shape the state’s identity. It will feature exhibits on ranching, cattle drives, and the breed’s enduring legacy.
Tom Buxton emphasized the iconic status of the Longhorn:
> “The Longhorn is such an iconic animal,” Texas Longhorn Legacy Board Member Tom Buxton said. “Everybody knows a Longhorn. They could look at any cow and couldn’t tell you if it’s an Angus, or Hereford, or whatever. You look at a Longhorn, and you know it’s a Longhorn cow.”
Wayne Manning highlighted the cultural importance of preserving this history:
> “I think the history of Texas needs to be told,” Texas Longhorn Legacy President Wayne Manning said. “Learning about the trail system, learning about the Texas Longhorn, knowing that Texas really wouldn’t exist without the Texas Longhorn.”
Local enthusiasm is high, with Buxton noting that the excitement around the Longhorn is “just off the charts.” He added that the museum property has existed for a long time, making it the right moment to build.
The foundation hopes to secure city approval and break ground in 2026, turning the long-awaited vision into a tangible landmark.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Museum Size | 37,000 sq ft |
| Location | Exchange & Stockyard Boulevard, Fort Worth |
| Planned Groundbreaking | 2026 |
The project is seen as a cultural investment that will attract tourists, educate students, and honor the legacy of the Texas Longhorn.
Key Takeaways
- The Texas Longhorn Legacy plans a 37,000-sq-ft museum at the Fort Worth Stockyards.
- Groundbreaking is targeted for 2026 after city approval.
- The museum will serve as an educational hub and preserve Texas ranching heritage.
The proposed museum stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Texas Longhorn and promises to become a new centerpiece for cultural education in Fort Worth.
