Fort Worth

Photos: How far north Fort Worth grew from rural ranchlands into modern AllianceTexas

By Matt Leclercq

Updated December 20, 2024 10:11 AM

Dec. 5, 1990: Much of far north Fort Worth was rural farmland before AllianceTexas. — Dec. 5, 1990: Much of far north Fort Worth was rural farmland before AllianceTexas. Mark Rogers Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection/UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections

Far north Fort Worth used to be farmland, ranches and empty prairie. Then came Ross Perot Jr.

Take a look back at how Perot and his development team started Alliance with the nation’s first industrial airport 35 years ago, and how much north Fort Worth has changed ever since.

Some of these Star-Telegram photos, recently digitized, are seen for the first time since they appeared in the newspaper.

July 13, 1988: Fort Worth Mayor Bob Bolen speaks during a groundbreaking ceremony for Alliance Airport. — July 13, 1988: Fort Worth Mayor Bob Bolen speaks during a groundbreaking ceremony for Alliance Airport. Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection/UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections

March 19, 1989: Ross Perot Jr., right, speaks with Jeff James, grandson of airport contractor for the construction at Alliance Airport in Fort Worth. — March 19, 1989: Ross Perot Jr., right, speaks with Jeff James, grandson of airport contractor for the construction at Alliance Airport in Fort Worth. Beatrice Terrazas Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection/UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections

March 19, 1989: Ross Perot Jr. at Alliance Airport in Fort Worth during construction. — March 19, 1989: Ross Perot Jr. at Alliance Airport in Fort Worth during construction. Beatrice Terrazas Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection/UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections

March 19, 1989: An aerial view of construction at Alliance Airport in Fort Worth. — March 19, 1989: An aerial view of construction at Alliance Airport in Fort Worth. Beatrice Terrazas Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection/UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections

June 7, 1989: Texas and Fort Worth officials including the lieutenant governor, House speaker, Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and the mayor pack the City Council chamber to hear the announcement about American Airlines’ plans to build a $250 million aircraft maintenance base at Alliance Airport that will employ 4,500 people by 1994. — June 7, 1989: Texas and Fort Worth officials including the lieutenant governor, House speaker, Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and the mayor pack the City Council chamber to hear the announcement about American Airlines’ plans to build a $250 million aircraft maintenance base at Alliance Airport that will employ 4,500 people by 1994. Norm Tindell Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection/UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections

June 7, 1989: Robert Crandall, American Airlines CEO, speaks to the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and the mayor in a packed City Council chamber. Crandall announced the airlines’ plans to build a $250 million aircraft maintenance base at Alliance Airport that will employ 4,500 people by 1994. — June 7, 1989: Robert Crandall, American Airlines CEO, speaks to the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and the mayor in a packed City Council chamber. Crandall announced the airlines’ plans to build a $250 million aircraft maintenance base at Alliance Airport that will employ 4,500 people by 1994. Norm Tindell Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection/UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections

Dec. 14, 1989: Fort Worth Mayor Bob Bolen shows off the certificate of operation for Alliance Airport from the Federal Aviation Administration during inauguration ceremonies for the new $35 million airport, attended by more than 300 spectators. — Dec. 14, 1989: Fort Worth Mayor Bob Bolen shows off the certificate of operation for Alliance Airport from the Federal Aviation Administration during inauguration ceremonies for the new $35 million airport, attended by more than 300 spectators. Milton Adams Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection/UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections

Dec. 14, 1989: An American Airlines Boeing 757 touches down at Alliance Airport in Fort Worth, the first plane to on the new runway during inauguration ceremonies for the airport. — Dec. 14, 1989: An American Airlines Boeing 757 touches down at Alliance Airport in Fort Worth, the first plane to on the new runway during inauguration ceremonies for the airport. Norm Tindell Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection/UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections

Dec. 14, 1989: An American Airlines Boeing 757 is the first aircraft to land at the new $35 million Alliance Airport in Fort Worth during inauguration ceremonies. — Dec. 14, 1989: An American Airlines Boeing 757 is the first aircraft to land at the new $35 million Alliance Airport in Fort Worth during inauguration ceremonies. Milton Adams Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection/UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections

Dec. 14, 1989: A music band plays for the crowd as an American Airlines Boeing 757 is the first aircraft to land at the new $35 million Alliance Airport in Fort Worth. — Dec. 14, 1989: A music band plays for the crowd as an American Airlines Boeing 757 is the first aircraft to land at the new $35 million Alliance Airport in Fort Worth. Milton Adams Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection/UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections

Dec. 14, 1989: Santa is the first passenger to step off an American Airlines Boeing 757 that lands during inauguration ceremonies for the new $35 million Alliance Airport in Fort Worth. Elementary school students await at the bottom of the stairs. — Dec. 14, 1989: Santa is the first passenger to step off an American Airlines Boeing 757 that lands during inauguration ceremonies for the new $35 million Alliance Airport in Fort Worth. Elementary school students await at the bottom of the stairs. Milton Adams Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection/UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections

Dec. 14, 1989: The crowd at the inauguration ceremonies for the new $35 million Alliance Airport in Fort Worth include these women holding a sign for an arriving American Airlines Boeing 757, the first aircraft to land here. The names on their sign include Roanoke Mayor John Tidwell and Alliance Airport developer Ross Perot Jr. A Santa Claus was also on board. — Dec. 14, 1989: The crowd at the inauguration ceremonies for the new $35 million Alliance Airport in Fort Worth include these women holding a sign for an arriving American Airlines Boeing 757, the first aircraft to land here. The names on their sign include Roanoke Mayor John Tidwell and Alliance Airport developer Ross Perot Jr. A Santa Claus was also on board. Milton Adams Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection/UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections

Dec. 14, 1989: An American Airlines Boeing 757 with 150 dignitaries and guests pulls in to the new Alliance Airport in Fort Worth to a crowd of more than 300 spectators. This was part of inauguration ceremonies for the $35 million airport. Passengers on board included former House Speaker Jim Wright, Reps. Pete Geren and Dick Armey, and Texas House Speaker Gib Lewis. Ross Perot Jr. flew in the cockpit with senor pilot Wendell Dobbs and co-pilot J.S. Fowler. — Dec. 14, 1989: An American Airlines Boeing 757 with 150 dignitaries and guests pulls in to the new Alliance Airport in Fort Worth to a crowd of more than 300 spectators. This was part of inauguration ceremonies for the $35 million airport. Passengers on board included former House Speaker Jim Wright, Reps. Pete Geren and Dick Armey, and Texas House Speaker Gib Lewis. Ross Perot Jr. flew in the cockpit with senor pilot Wendell Dobbs and co-pilot J.S. Fowler. Paul Moseley Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection/UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections

Dec. 14, 1989: From his backyard, Michael Newman videotapes U.S. Air Force jets flying above nearby Alliance Airport in Fort Worth during opening ceremonies of the airport. — Dec. 14, 1989: From his backyard, Michael Newman videotapes U.S. Air Force jets flying above nearby Alliance Airport in Fort Worth during opening ceremonies of the airport. Carolyn Bauman Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection/UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections

Dec. 14, 1989: Former U.S. House Speaker Jim Wright speaks at the podium during inauguration ceremonies for the new $35 million Alliance Airport in Fort Worth, attended by a crowd of more than 300. — Dec. 14, 1989: Former U.S. House Speaker Jim Wright speaks at the podium during inauguration ceremonies for the new $35 million Alliance Airport in Fort Worth, attended by a crowd of more than 300. Milton Adams Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection/UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections

Dec. 14, 1989: The inauguration ceremonies for the new $35 million Alliance Airport in Fort Worth attracted a crowd of more than 300 spectators. From left, Ross Perot Jr. is congratulated by Fort Worth Mayor Bob Bolen; the Rev. Barry Bailey; former House Speaker Jim Wright; and H. Ross Perot Sr. — Dec. 14, 1989: The inauguration ceremonies for the new $35 million Alliance Airport in Fort Worth attracted a crowd of more than 300 spectators. From left, Ross Perot Jr. is congratulated by Fort Worth Mayor Bob Bolen; the Rev. Barry Bailey; former House Speaker Jim Wright; and H. Ross Perot Sr. Milton Adams Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection/UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections

Dec. 14, 1989: Ross Perot Jr., left, and his father H. Ross Perot Sr., attend inauguration ceremonies for the new $35 million Alliance Airport in Fort Worth. — Dec. 14, 1989: Ross Perot Jr., left, and his father H. Ross Perot Sr., attend inauguration ceremonies for the new $35 million Alliance Airport in Fort Worth. Milton Adams Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection/UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections

Dec. 14, 1989: An American Airlines 757 with 150 dignitaries and guests pulls into the new Alliance Airport in Fort Worth to a crowd of more than 300 spectators. There are several other military aircraft on the tarmac. This was part of inauguration ceremonies for the $35 million airport. Those on board the 757 included former House Speaker Jim Wright, Reps. Pete Geren and Dick Armey, and Texas House Speaker Gib Lewis. Ross Perot Jr. was also on board in the cockpit of the Boeing, piloted by senior American Airlines pilot Wendell Dobbs and co-pilot J.S. Fowler. — Dec. 14, 1989: An American Airlines 757 with 150 dignitaries and guests pulls into the new Alliance Airport in Fort Worth to a crowd of more than 300 spectators. There are several other military aircraft on the tarmac. This was part of inauguration ceremonies for the $35 million airport. Those on board the 757 included former House Speaker Jim Wright, Reps. Pete Geren and Dick Armey, and Texas House Speaker Gib Lewis. Ross Perot Jr. was also on board in the cockpit of the Boeing, piloted by senior American Airlines pilot Wendell Dobbs and co-pilot J.S. Fowler. Paul Moseley Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection/UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections

Dec. 5, 1990: Much of far north Fort Worth was rural farmland before AllianceTexas. — Dec. 5, 1990: Much of far north Fort Worth was rural farmland before AllianceTexas. Mark Rogers Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection/UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections

Aug. 30, 1990: Mike Berry, the Perot Group marketing director, at Alliance Airport in Fort Worth. — Aug. 30, 1990: Mike Berry, the Perot Group marketing director, at Alliance Airport in Fort Worth. Dale Blackwell Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection/UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections

Dec. 5, 1990: Ross Perot Jr. poses at Alliance Airport in Fort Worth with a helicopter in the background. — Dec. 5, 1990: Ross Perot Jr. poses at Alliance Airport in Fort Worth with a helicopter in the background. Mark Rogers Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection/UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections

Oct. 4, 1994: FedEx broke ground on a $300 million sorting hub at Alliance Airport in Fort Worth that is expected to open in 1997 and employ about 600 workers. Pictured in a new FedEx Airbus A300F during the ceremony are, from left, Mary Alice Taylor, FedEx senior vice president for the Americas and the Caribbean; Fort Worth Mayor Kay Granger; Texas Gov. Ann Richards; and Alliance Airport developer Ross Perot Jr. — Oct. 4, 1994: FedEx broke ground on a $300 million sorting hub at Alliance Airport in Fort Worth that is expected to open in 1997 and employ about 600 workers. Pictured in a new FedEx Airbus A300F during the ceremony are, from left, Mary Alice Taylor, FedEx senior vice president for the Americas and the Caribbean; Fort Worth Mayor Kay Granger; Texas Gov. Ann Richards; and Alliance Airport developer Ross Perot Jr. Donna Bagby Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection/UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections

Oct. 4, 1994: FedEx broke ground on a $300 million sorting hub at Alliance Airport in Fort Worth that is expected to open in 1997 and employ about 600 workers. Mayor Kay Granger and Texas Gov. Ann Richards are pictured together at the event with a FedEx plane in the background. — Oct. 4, 1994: FedEx broke ground on a $300 million sorting hub at Alliance Airport in Fort Worth that is expected to open in 1997 and employ about 600 workers. Mayor Kay Granger and Texas Gov. Ann Richards are pictured together at the event with a FedEx plane in the background. Donna Bagby Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection/UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections

Oct. 4, 1994: FedEx broke ground on a $300 million sorting hub at Alliance Airport that is expected to open in 1997 and employ about 600 workers. Texas Gov. Ann Richards and Alliance Airport developer Ross Perot Jr. are pictured at the event with a FedEx plane in the background. — Oct. 4, 1994: FedEx broke ground on a $300 million sorting hub at Alliance Airport that is expected to open in 1997 and employ about 600 workers. Texas Gov. Ann Richards and Alliance Airport developer Ross Perot Jr. are pictured at the event with a FedEx plane in the background. Donna Bagby Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection/UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections

Oct. 4, 1994: A ceremonial groundbreaking for a $300 million FedEx sorting hub at Alliance Airport in Fort Worth is attended by, from left, Mayor Kay Granger, Texas Gov. Ann Richards, Alliance Airport developer Ross Perot Jr., and Mary Alice Taylor, FedEx senior vice president for the Americas and the Caribbean. The facility is expected to open in 1997 and employ about 600 workers. — Oct. 4, 1994: A ceremonial groundbreaking for a $300 million FedEx sorting hub at Alliance Airport in Fort Worth is attended by, from left, Mayor Kay Granger, Texas Gov. Ann Richards, Alliance Airport developer Ross Perot Jr., and Mary Alice Taylor, FedEx senior vice president for the Americas and the Caribbean. The facility is expected to open in 1997 and employ about 600 workers. Donna Bagby Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection/UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections

Aug. 20, 1997: Ross Perot Jr. shows Roanoke Mayor Toby Alsip different parts of his conceptual master plan for Circle T Ranch, which includes upscale retail, commercial and residential development encompassing more than 2,400 acres, three 18-hole golf courses, corporate campuses, and other retail and office developments. — Aug. 20, 1997: Ross Perot Jr. shows Roanoke Mayor Toby Alsip different parts of his conceptual master plan for Circle T Ranch, which includes upscale retail, commercial and residential development encompassing more than 2,400 acres, three 18-hole golf courses, corporate campuses, and other retail and office developments. Sharon M. Steinman Star-Telegram

Oct. 30, 1997: An aerial view of Ross Perot Jr.’s Circle T Ranch in Westlake. — Oct. 30, 1997: An aerial view of Ross Perot Jr.’s Circle T Ranch in Westlake. Kelley Chinn Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection/UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections

Oct. 30, 1997: An aerial view of Ross Perot Jr.’s Circle T Ranch in Westlake, Texas. — Oct. 30, 1997: An aerial view of Ross Perot Jr.’s Circle T Ranch in Westlake, Texas. Kelley Chinn Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection/UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections

Oct. 30, 1997: An aerial view of Ross Perot Jr.’s Circle T Ranch in Westlake. — Oct. 30, 1997: An aerial view of Ross Perot Jr.’s Circle T Ranch in Westlake. Kelley Chinn Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection/UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections

Oct. 30, 1997: An aerial view of Ross Perot Jr.’s Circle T Ranch in Westlake. — Oct. 30, 1997: An aerial view of Ross Perot Jr.’s Circle T Ranch in Westlake. Kelley Chinn Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection/UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections

April 9, 1999: Part of Circle T Ranch in Westlake that will soon be a world-class golf course. The course will be built by Hillwood Development Corp. — April 9, 1999: Part of Circle T Ranch in Westlake that will soon be a world-class golf course. The course will be built by Hillwood Development Corp. M.L. Gray STAR-TELEGRAM

May 7, 1999: Doug Reed, general manager of Fidelity Southwest, talks with Ross Perot Jr. during a Fidelity Investments groundbreaking in Westlake for a region headquarters. — May 7, 1999: Doug Reed, general manager of Fidelity Southwest, talks with Ross Perot Jr. during a Fidelity Investments groundbreaking in Westlake for a region headquarters. Frank Stone STAR-TELEGRAM

H. Ross Perot Jr. and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters tour the local Fedex facility near Alliance Airport on Friday, February 2, 2007 in Fort Worth, TX. Peters traveled to Fort Worth to see how the growing demand for air cargo is leading to job growth and new development at Alliance Airport.(Special to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram/Emily Hughes) — H. Ross Perot Jr. and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters tour the local Fedex facility near Alliance Airport on Friday, February 2, 2007 in Fort Worth, TX. Peters traveled to Fort Worth to see how the growing demand for air cargo is leading to job growth and new development at Alliance Airport.(Special to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram/Emily Hughes) EMILY HUGHES SPECIAL to the Star-Telegram

July 7, 2015: Ross Perot Jr., left, talks with Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price and Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley after the groundbreaking for Facebook’s new data center at Alliance in north Fort Worth. — July 7, 2015: Ross Perot Jr., left, talks with Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price and Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley after the groundbreaking for Facebook’s new data center at Alliance in north Fort Worth. Joyce Marshall Star-Telegram

June 18, 1992: Ross Perot Jr. in his office. — June 18, 1992: Ross Perot Jr. in his office. Ian McVea Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection/UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections

Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport, seen from above on Nov. 13, 2024, opened in December 1989 on what was mostly farmland and prairie. It was the first industrial airport in the country. — Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport, seen from above on Nov. 13, 2024, opened in December 1989 on what was mostly farmland and prairie. It was the first industrial airport in the country. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com

Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport, seen from above on Nov. 13, 2024, was a catalyst for development in far north Fort Worth after it opened in December 1989 on what was mostly rural farmland. — Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport, seen from above on Nov. 13, 2024, was a catalyst for development in far north Fort Worth after it opened in December 1989 on what was mostly rural farmland. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com

H-E-B opened its first grocery store in Tarrant County, along Heritage Trace Parkway in Alliance, in April 2024. The grocery store, seen here on Nov. 13, is helping drive more development in far north Fort Worth. — H-E-B opened its first grocery store in Tarrant County, along Heritage Trace Parkway in Alliance, in April 2024. The grocery store, seen here on Nov. 13, is helping drive more development in far north Fort Worth. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com

The Sam’s Club distribution center along Texas 114 near Blue Mound Road in Alliance on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024 — The Sam’s Club distribution center along Texas 114 near Blue Mound Road in Alliance on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024 Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com

An apartment development in Alliance in far north Fort Worth on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. — An apartment development in Alliance in far north Fort Worth on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com

The Facebook data center in Alliance in far north Fort Worth on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. — The Facebook data center in Alliance in far north Fort Worth on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com

The BNSF Alliance Intermodal Facility in far north Fort Worth on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. — The BNSF Alliance Intermodal Facility in far north Fort Worth on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com

This story was originally published December 20, 2024 at 5:29 AM.

Matt Leclercq

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Matt Leclercq is senior managing editor at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. He previously was an editor at USA Today in Washington, national news editor at Gatehouse Media in Austin, and executive editor of The Fayetteville (NC) Observer. He’s a New Orleans native.