Historical Marker
Swift & Company
Historical marker location:
500 block of E. Exchange St., Fort Worth, Texas
( Packing House Plaza, 500 block of E. Exchange Street, Fort Worth)
Marker installed: 1986
A leading national meatpacking firm by the 1880s, Swift & Co. adopted a practice of opening branch plants nearer the source of supply. Attracted to Texas by the State's vast livestock herds, the Company chose this site for a new operation as a result of efforts by the Fort Worth Stock Yards Company. The plant opened in 1903 and soon had a dramatic impact on the economy of the City and the State. It also spawned several support businesses, including a railway company and publishing firm. The Swift plant remained in operation until 1971.