National Register Listing

Montgomery Ward and Company Building

a.k.a. Tindall Storage Warehouse

801 Grove St., Fort Worth, TX

The Montgomery Ward & Company Building is an important building during the early 20th century in Fort Worth, Texas. It was used as a place for the company to expand its mail-order catalog business, and the building has been used as a place for events such as its centennial celebration.

Established in the 1870s by entrepreneur Aaron Montgomery Ward, Montgomery Ward & Company pioneered the mail order catalog business, offering a wide variety of consumer goods to rural America at wholesale prices. The rapid success of the company prompted the company's expansion from its home base of Chicago to Kansas City, and in 1911, to Fort Worth. The Montgomery Ward & Company Building strongly exemplifies the economic development of Fort Worth during the early 20th century as the city grew into a major rail and distribution center for the southwest. The building was the first home for Montgomery Ward when it expanded its mail-order catalog business to Fort Worth, a location the company specifically chose to meet the growing number of orders from the south and southwest. The building's construction and modest stylistic influences reflect common building trends in utilitarian warehouse facilities of the early 20th century. The Montgomery Ward & Company Building meets Criterion A at the local level of significance for its association with the early growth of Montgomery Ward & Company and the role that the company played in the commercial and economic development of Fort Worth during the early 20th century.
Local significance of the building:
Commerce

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1998.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

commerce
The Alamo, a mission in San Antonio, is perhaps the most famous historical site in Texas. It was the site of a key battle during the Texas Revolution in 1836.
Texas random facts
Tarrant County, Texas, has a significant place in the history of the Lone Star State. The area was initially inhabited by indigenous tribes before European exploration and settlement. In the mid-19th century, the region became part of the Republic of Texas after gaining independence from Mexico.

Tarrant County was established in 1849 and named after Edward H. Tarrant, a military leader during the Texas Revolution. The county experienced significant growth and development throughout the 19th century, fueled by factors such as the expansion of railroads, cattle ranching, and the discovery of oil.

During the 20th century, Tarrant County continued to flourish and adapt to changing times. It became an important hub for transportation, commerce, and industry. The county's largest city, Fort Worth, emerged as a major center for cattle trading and eventually diversified into a vibrant economic and cultural hub.

Today, Tarrant County is one of the most populous counties in Texas, encompassing Fort Worth and several other cities and communities. It boasts a diverse economy, encompassing sectors such as aerospace, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. Tarrant County is also home to renowned educational institutions, cultural attractions, and recreational opportunities, making it a dynamic and thriving region within the state.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Tarrant County, Texas.

  • Pre-19th Century: The area was inhabited by indigenous tribes, including the Wichita and Comanche, before European settlement.

  • 1849: Tarrant County was officially established and named after Edward H. Tarrant, a military leader in the Republic of Texas.

  • 1850s: Fort Worth, the county seat, began as a military outpost on the Trinity River, providing protection for settlers and serving as a stop on the Chisholm Trail cattle drive route.

  • Late 19th Century: The arrival of the railroad in the 1870s spurred economic growth in Fort Worth and the county. The city became a center for the cattle industry, agriculture, and trade.

  • 20th Century: Tarrant County experienced significant urbanization and diversification. Fort Worth became a major hub for the oil and gas industry, aviation, and defense with the establishment of military bases.

  • Civil Rights Era: Tarrant County, like many regions in the United States, faced challenges and changes during the civil rights movement, with efforts to achieve racial equality and social progress.

  • Modern Times: Tarrant County continues to thrive as a major economic and cultural center in Texas. It is home to a diverse population and industries such as healthcare, finance, technology, and education.