Forth Worth is well-known city in the state of Texas in the United States. It is the 18th largest US city, and the 5th in its own state. It is also one of the largest cultural and economic centers belonging to the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metropolis, offering several business opportunities like real estate as well as some tourist attractions.



The Mexican-American War

The history of Fort Worth, Texas stretches back to the Mexican-American War in 1846 where Major General William Jenkins Worth served as second in command to General Zachary Taylor. Taylor's army was encamped near the Rio Grande, as part of the detachment assigned to Texas following its annexation into the United States on December 29, 1945.

The Mexican-American War was the result of tensions between Mexico and the newly formed Republic of Texas -- prior to its annexation -- following Texas' victory over the Mexicans in the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836. The Battle of San Jacinto put an end to the rebellion of the Texans against the dictatorial rule of President and General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna of Mexico, who was forced to sign treaties with the Texans recognizing their independence the day following the battle.

The Mexican War sparked after a numerically superior Mexican cavalry unit attacked and massacred a patrol of American dragoons on April 23, 1846. The act prompted then President Polk of the United States to address Congress, who afterwards made a declaration of war on the Mexicans. Taylor and Worth were responsible for the troops sent to go to combat against Texas' southern neighbor.

One of Taylor's remarkable feats during the war was the difficult yet successful siege of the Bishop's Palace in Monterrey, Mexico. Worth reportedly risked himself yet managed to escape personal injury as he and his troops transported their heavy weapons and ammunition under constant heavy fire. The terrain was unfriendly to the Americans, who had to carry the armament while negotiating sheer cliff faces.

General Worth was also responsible for capturing the city of Puebla and for entering Mexico City itself. Worth also took down the Mexican flag in the Mexican National Palace.

After The War

After the war, General Worth was assigned command of the Department of Texas in 1849. One of his first actions was to propose building ten forts along the west Texas frontier, which begins from Eagle Pass and until the confluences of the West and Clear Forks of the Trinity River.

However, General Worth became afflicted with cholera and died from it on May 7, 1849. He was then succeeded by William S. Harney, a key figure in the Indian Peace Commission. Upon his instatement, General Harney commanded Major Ripley A. Arnold to search for a site where he could a build a fort in close proximity to the confluence of the West and Clear Forks.

Barely a month after General Worth died, Major Arnold established a post on the Trinity River's shores which he called "Camp Worth". This camp was moved to an overlooking bluff over the mouth of the Clear Fork, where Arnold found George Farmer. Farmer would go on to open the first sutler's store in Fort Worth, a name which was granted by the U.S. War Department on November 14, 1849.

Although settlers have started to pour into the Fort Worth area earlier, it was not until after September 17, 1853 would inhabitants settle into the fort itself. The U.S. Army had evacuated the fort in favor of forts further west, and the settlers saw this as an opportunity to take the fort for themselves.

Fort Worth Today

Today, Fort Worth is one of the busiest cities in the state of Texas. It is home to several well-known buildings that are all located in its downtown area. These buildings include the Sundance Square, Fort Worth Convention Center and the Bass Performance Hall.

The Sundance Square is a collection of buildings that span across an area 16 blocks wide. The square is home to several restaurants, nightclubs, boutiques, museums, live theatres and art galleries.

Forth Worth Convention Center is an arena that is capable of seating at most 11,200 persons. It had once been the home of the Fort Worth Fire and Brahmas ice hockey teams. The Forth Worth Cavalry football team also had its home court in the convention center, as well as the San Antonio Spurs temporarily. The most significant event seen in the center is the United States' defeat of Switzerland during the Davis Cup finals.

If one wishes to hear and listen to the Forth Worth Symphony Orchestra and the Fort Worth Opera, you can find them in their permanent home: the Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth.