National Register Listing

Waggoner, W. T. Building

810 Houston St., Fort Worth, TX
Since its completion in 1920, the W. T. Waggoner Building, a Texas recognition of the Chicago School skyscraper designed by the prominent Fort Worth firm Sanguinet and Staats, stood as a physical manifestation of the crucial role played by Fort Worth in the national oil boom. For many years, Fort Worth had been the focal point of the Southwest for the enormous cattle industry, but by 1920 this regional role was expanded to include the burgeoning oil industry, fueled by rapid expansion of auto travel, industrial growth, and the demands of a nation at war. "Fort Worth - Center of Texas Oil Industry" (New York Times, 18 June 1919) was the refining center of the Southwest, as well as a food and transportation hub. The urban population of Fort Worth was expanding rapidly (well over 106,000 at the 1920 census) with subsequent strains on the housing and office spaces of the city. To meet the influx of new citizens and business, housing construction was stepped up to priority levels and commercial construction increased to all time high levels. The W. T. Waggoner Building represented a large portion of this new construction. W. T. Waggoner was one of a few select cattlemen turned multimillionaire due to oil discoveries on their ranches. A flamboyant, hard-nosed man of legend, Waggoner recollected his first oil strike: having found oil while drilling for water, he had said, "Damn the oil, I want water!". Accepting his fate, however, he amassed one of the largest oil fortunes in Texas, rumored to be in excess of fifty million dollars. Waggoner's wealth enabled him to become one of the most respected and nfluential men in Texas; he entertained such notables as President Teddy Roosevelt on hunting trips to his West Texas ranches. In 1919, Waggoner invested part of his fortune in a new office building for its financial potential, and as a monument to his wealth and power. The building, originally planned for sixteen stories, was ultimately constructed with twenty, for a total height of 210 feet, making it the tallest in the Southwest. A race for height, however, soon produced the Magnolia Building in Dallas and the Farmer and Mechanics Bank Building in Fort Worth, 29 and 24 stories respectively. The appearance of the Waggoner Building marked one of the first recognitions of Chicago School type skyscraper style in Fort Worth. Advanced construction techniques required by the Waggoner Building design called for the skills out-of-state workers as c. S. Lambie, of Denver, to handle the 150,000 rivets and 2,000 tons of steel in its structural frame. The building was intended to be the ultimate in modern offices, featuring the latest conveniences as Otis elevators (the first outside of New York or Chicago), refrigerated drinking water from an artesian well on the property, Austral windows (see description), and a built-in vacuum cleaning system. Begun in March 1919, the building was completed one year later at a final cost of $1,500,000. Architects for the W. T. Waggoner Building were Sanguinet and Staats, a leading architectural firm in Texas with offices in Fort Worth, Houston, Wichita Falls, and San Antonio. Marshall R. Sanguinet, originally from St. Louis, Missouri, came to Fort Worth in 1883; Carl C. Staats, from New York City, came to Texas in 1891 and seven years later joined Sanguinet in Fort Worth. Sanguinet and Staats were responsible for many high-rise structures throughout the Southwest, including the 22-story Amicable Building in Waco, the First National Bank and Carter Buildings in Houston, the 12-story City National Bank Building in Shreveport, and the 24-story Farmer and Mechanics Bank Building, built shortly after the W. T. Waggoner Building. Other notable designs included the Neil P. Anderson and Flatiron Buildings in Fort Worth (both listed on the National Register). The firm ultimately joined with Wyatt C. Hedrick, their chief competitor, who later went on to design the Texas and Pacific Terminal Complex of Fort Worth (listed on the National Register). Tenants in the building have always been predominantly oil exploration and refining firms (including Empire, Consolidated, Sinclair, and Trans-continental Oil Company), oil-related firms, and various other users (the Texas and Pacific and Missouri and Pacific Railroads, and the Continental National Bank). The present owners intend to restore the structure to be an historically accurate 'Class A' office building.
Local significance of the building:
Industry; Commerce; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

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.

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Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
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 concise overview of the key events in 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.