National Register Listing

Miller Manufacturing Company Building

a.k.a. Miller Lofts

311 Bryan Ave, Fort Worth, TX

The Miller Manufacturing Company Building is nominated to the National Register of Historic Places, at the local level of significance, for its association with the garment industry in Fort Worth and the 1922 labor strike between the United Garment Workers Union of America Local No. 181 and the Miller Manufacturing Company.

The Miller Manufacturing Company Building is nominated to the National Register of Historic Places, at the local level of significance, under Criterion A in the areas of Industry and Social History for its association with the garment industry in Fort Worth and the 1922 labor strike between the United Garment Workers Union of America Local No. 181 and the Miller Manufacturing Company. The company began producing overalls and other work clothing in 1903 using union labor; this was an important industry in the city, as these work clothes were worn by a variety of trades and also were shipped to other markets. In 1922 the company began operating as an open shop in an attempt to break a strike, and the union workers— mostly women—were accused of using violence and other tactics of intimidation against the nonunion workers. Rather than give in to the demands of the strikers and to prevent further violence, the company closed this plant and transferred its operations to Paris, Texas. The strike and subsequent factory closing illustrated the dynamics between a local union and the open shop movement in the years between World War I and the Great Depression. The Miller Manufacturing Company Building is also nominated under Criterion C for Architecture as an excellent local example of an early twentieth-century reinforced concrete industrial building in south Fort Worth. Constructed in 1910-11, it is the oldest reinforced concrete building documented in the Tarrant County Historic Resources Survey of South Fort Worth, which identified it as one of nine buildings eligible for listing in the National Register as examples of industrial architecture. Unlike the other reinforced concrete industrial buildings that were documented in the survey, the Miller Manufacturing Company Building is the only example with poured-in-place concrete walls. The period of significance for the building is 1911-1922, representing the year it was completed through the years it was used as a garment factory, until operations ceased there as a result of the conflict between union labor and management.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Social History; Industry

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2010.

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.

architecture social history industry
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
Texas is also home to the world's largest honky-tonk, Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth. The venue covers three acres and can hold up to 6,000 people.
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 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.