Hell's Half Acre in Fort Worth evolves into tourist hotspot

This list of stories illustrates the ongoing evolution of Fort Worth's historic Hell's Half Acre.

Once infamous for saloons and crime, the area now hosts landmarks like the Cutting Edge Haunted House, set in a historic meatpacking plant that reflects the Acre's gritty past. The redevelopment of the Stockyards contrasts with the past, transforming former livestock barns into shops and restaurants as the district sees significant tourism growth.

Meanwhile, the Fort Worth Convention Center stands on what was once the heart of the Acre, reflecting urban development trends that erased older structures. Efforts to balance history and modernity continue, as seen in the Fort Worth Stockyards Museum's preservation efforts amidst nearby redevelopment.

Hells Half Acre was generally believed to be bounded by Throckmorton, Jones, and Lancaster streets, from 9th to 15th Streets, which intersected with Houston, Main, and Rusk (now Commerce).

NO. 1: SEX, GAMBLING SECURED FORT WORTH’S WILD WEST REPUTATION THROUGH LORE OF HELL’S HALF ACRE

How bad was Cowtown back in the old days? City’s reputation was of debauchery and unsavory characters according to a local historian, author. | Published June 21, 2024 | Read Full Story by Tiffani Jackson

The Fort Worth Stockyards Museum, located in the Livestock Exchange Building, holds a variety of artifacts from Fort Worth history. By Joel Solis

NO. 2: FORT WORTH STOCKYARDS MUSEUM DETERMINED TO HOLD ITS PLACE IN HISTORY AMID REDEVELOPMENT

Did you know Fort Worth’s Stockyards Museum has a light bulb that hasn’t burned out in more than century? Or an 1886 wedding gown that has brought “disaster” to all who wore it? Here are some other hidden gems you’ll find there. | Published July 22, 2024 | Read Full Story by Lillie Davidson

One block of downtown Fort Worth was demolished on June 29, 1965, as a publicity spectacle. West Texas Demolition had removed the building roofs and strung a cable around the structures. The idea was that one tug from a crane and bulldozers would topple all of the buildings.

NO. 3: THEY ONCE DEMOLISHED 14 BLOCKS OF DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH, SALVAGING 8 MILLION BRICKS. WHY?

The first block was pulled down all at once using bulldozers, a crane and a one-inch-thick cable. | Published October 26, 2024 | Read Full Story by Carol Roark

Cutting Edge Haunted House is located in Hell’s Half Acre in Fort Worth.

NO. 4: THIS FORT WORTH HAUNTED HOUSE WAS RANKED NO. 1 IN THE COUNTRY BY USA TODAY

Just in time for Halloween, a Fort Worth haunted house was ranked as the best in the country. | Published October 28, 2024 | Read Full Story by Ella Gonzales

A sole patron drinks at WXYZ Bar in Aloft Fort Worth Downtown on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. By Amanda McCoy

NO. 5: IS DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH STILL A TOP DESTINATION FOR A NIGHT OUT? BAR TABS REVEAL A SHIFT

Downtown, anchored by Sundance Square, used to do the most business in the city when it comes to alcohol sales. That’s no longer the case, as these other districts have flourished. | Published November 15, 2024 | Read Full Story by Kate Marijolovic

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.