Coliseum
Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Until 1908, The Annual Fort Worth Fat Stock Show was held in a variety of locations. As interest increased in the event and its educational and promotional values were realized, livestock exhibitors sought a permanent home for the show. The coliseum was constructed in 1907-08 to provide such an exhibition hall. Construction costs were borne by the Swift and Armour Packing Companies, and by the Fort Worth Stock Yards Company, which owned the property. The stock show was held here annually for 34 years. This site has been within three separate cities: North Fort Worth until 1909; Niles City, 1911-23; and in Fort Worth since 1923. It is the birthplace of the indoor rodeo, and the first live radio broadcast of a rodeo was transmitted here on WBAP Radio in 1923. The Coliseum also has served as a place for cultural, educational, religious, social, and civic events. In 1911, former President Theodore Roosevelt spoke here. Numerous Texas Governors, performing artists, grand operas, entertainers and evangelists have appeared here. The great Italian tenor, Enrico Caruso, performed here in 1920. In 1936, the Stock Yards Company sold the coliseum to the City of Fort Worth. Historically it has been an important part of the city and the livestock industry. (1984)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Built in 1907–08 with money from the Swift and Armour packing companies and the Fort Worth Stock Yards, this hall finally gave the traveling Fat Stock Show a permanent home. Within its walls the indoor rodeo was born, and in 1923 WBAP carried the first live radio broadcast of a rodeo from this very floor. Over the decades the Coliseum also welcomed former President Theodore Roosevelt, who spoke here in 1911, and the great tenor Enrico Caruso, who sang here in 1920—all while the ground beneath it passed through three different cities.
Why it matters
The Coliseum stands at the crossroads of the cattle industry and American popular culture, the birthplace of the indoor rodeo and an early proving ground for live broadcast entertainment.
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Related people
- · Theodore Roosevelt
- · Enrico Caruso
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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