National Register Listing

Sanger Brothers Building

a.k.a. Sanger Brothers;J.C. Penney Building

410--412 Houston St., Fort Worth, TX
The Sanger Brothers Building of Fort Worth (1928-29) reflects a substantial period of economic and physical growth and change in Fort Worth created by oil and railroad investment in the city. Sanger Brothers was one of the preeminent retailers in Texas and the southwest. Their building was part of a general promotion for growth and development implemented by the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce in response to a burgeoning local economy. During this period, major retailers including the Sanger Brothers constructed approximately 21 buildings in and near downtown, dramatically changing the face of the city. In 1928 alone, over $4 million of new construction provided one million square feet of floor space in Fort Worth. The building is therefore eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion A, in the area of Commerce at a local level of significance as a representative of a broad pattern of Fort Worth's commercial history. This handsome low-rise 2-part commercial block with Spanish Revival detailing was designed by Wyatt C. Hedrick, one of the top architects in Fort Worth and the southwest, and head of the third largest firm in the country, at the time. The design, with false balconies and ornate cornice, reflected the national and international vogue of the day for department stores, influenced by Harrod's in London, Marshall Field's in Chicago, and Macy's and Gimbel's in New York. It is an excellent example of a 2-part commercial block and retains a high level of integrity, and is therefore also eligible for listing under Criterion C, in the area of Architecture at a local level of significance.
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

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 architecture
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The state flower of Texas is the bluebonnet. The flower blooms in the spring and is a common sight along the highways and in fields throughout the state.
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.