Fort Worth's First Flight
Historical marker location:FORT WORTH’S FIRST FLIGHT
IN DECEMBER 1903, THE WRIGHT BROTHERS ACHIEVED POWERED FLIGHT, BUT BY 1910, MOST PEOPLE STILL HAD NOT SEEN AN AIRPLANE. IN OCTOBER 1910, JOHN MOISANT OF CHICAGO FORMED A TOURING AERIAL DEMONSTRATION TEAM KNOWN AS THE MOISANT INTERNATIONAL AVIATORS. A GROUP OF AVIATION ENTHUSIASTS LED BY AMON G. CARTER, SR. PAID THE AVIATORS TO COME TO FORT WORTH. ON JANUARY 12, 1911, ROLAND GARROS OF THE MOISANT INTERNATIONAL AVIATORS, FLYING A BLERIOT XI, BECAME THE FIRST PERSON TO PERFORM A POWERED FLIGHT IN FORT WORTH. THE FLIGHT TOOK PLACE AT THE FORT WORTH DRIVING PARK, A RACETRACK NEAR CARROLL AND WEST SEVENTH STREETS.
FROM THIS FIRST FLIGHT, FORT WORTH AND NORTH TEXAS DEVELOPED INTO AN AVIATION CENTER. ENCOURAGED BY AMON CARTER, BEN E. KEITH AND LOUIS J. WORTHAM, THE U.S. ARMY SERVICE CONSTRUCTED THREE WORLD WAR I PILOT TRAINING AIRFIELDS NEAR SAGINAW, BENBROOK AND EVERMAN BY OCTOBER 1917. THE ROYAL FLYING CORPS CANADA ALSO USED THE FIELDS FOR PILOT TRAINING DURING THE WINTER MONTHS. AFTER WORLD WAR I, EVERMAN FIELD BECAME FORT WORTH’S FIRST MUNICIPAL AIRPORT. HELIUM WAS DISCOVERED IN TEXAS DURING WORLD WAR I AND THE NAVY BUILT A LARGE EXTRACTION PLANT IN FORT WORTH. THE NAVY ALSO BUILT A DIRIGIBLE MOORING STATION NEARBY AND FROM 1924 TO 1929 FORT WORTH BECAME A STOP ON TRANSCONTINENTAL AIRSHIP FLIGHTS. DURING THE 1930s, FORT WORTH BECAME A FLIGHT-TRAINING CENTER FOR THE CIVILIAN PILOT TRAINING PROGRAM. CARTER NOT ONLY CONVINCED THE NAVY TO USE LAKE WORTH AS A SEAPLANE BASE, BUT WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN SECURING A LARGE DEFENSE PLANT TO BUILD B-24 BOMBERS DURING WORLD WAR II. THE SITE, KNOWN AS AIR FORCE PLANT #4, HAS BEEN IN CONTINUOUS USE SINCE 1942
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
The state of Texas was once an independent country known as the Republic of Texas. It gained independence from Mexico in 1836 and was a separate nation until it was annexed by the United States in 1845.
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.
Tarrant County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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.