Fort Worth

What was Fort Worth like in 1999? Check out photos Star-Telegram’s archives

By Matt Leclercq

Updated March 31, 2026 7:48 PM

Jan. 9, 1999: Jewel Charity Ball attendees dance under the Emerald Dragon at the Amon Carter Jr. Exhibits Hall. The Emerald Dragon was later sold to a high school for a mascot. — Jan. 9, 1999: Jewel Charity Ball attendees dance under the Emerald Dragon at the Amon Carter Jr. Exhibits Hall. The Emerald Dragon was later sold to a high school for a mascot. Sharon Corcoran Star-Telegram

It was 1999 in Fort Worth.

The Fort Worth Herd was established to celebrate the city’s 150th anniversary. Bass Performance Hall opened its doors. And of course, everyone was preparing for an epic (or catastrophic?) Y2K on New Year’s Eve.

Take a look back at Star-Telegram photos from 1999, pulled from our archives — some for the first time since they appeared in the newspaper.

Nov. 20, 1999: TCU tailback LaDainian Tomlinson celebrates breaking the NCAA record for most yards rushing in a single game during the school song after their win over UTEP at Amon G. Carter Stadium. — Nov. 20, 1999: TCU tailback LaDainian Tomlinson celebrates breaking the NCAA record for most yards rushing in a single game during the school song after their win over UTEP at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Ken Lawdermilk STAR-TELEGRAM

Dec. 29, 1999: Haslet resident Josh Peele, 8, pets his dog, Red near FM 156, Haslet's main street. Josh said many of his previous dogs were run over on the road and that he hopes Red, an unapologetic car-chaser, will not meet the same fate. — Dec. 29, 1999: Haslet resident Josh Peele, 8, pets his dog, Red near FM 156, Haslet's main street. Josh said many of his previous dogs were run over on the road and that he hopes Red, an unapologetic car-chaser, will not meet the same fate. Jen Friedberg STAR-TELEGRAM

March 4, 1999: View of the Lena Pope Home that has leased 21 acres for a 225,000-square-foot shopping center that will be developed on the north and east sides of the home's property near Interstate 30 and Hulen Street in Fort Worth. The Chapel Hill Shopping Center is home to Central Market today. — March 4, 1999: View of the Lena Pope Home that has leased 21 acres for a 225,000-square-foot shopping center that will be developed on the north and east sides of the home's property near Interstate 30 and Hulen Street in Fort Worth. The Chapel Hill Shopping Center is home to Central Market today. Dale Blackwell Star-Telegram

Jan. 9, 1999: Jewel Charity Ball attendees dance under the Emerald Dragon at the Amon Carter Jr. Exhibits Hall. The Emerald Dragon was later sold to a high school for a mascot. — Jan. 9, 1999: Jewel Charity Ball attendees dance under the Emerald Dragon at the Amon Carter Jr. Exhibits Hall. The Emerald Dragon was later sold to a high school for a mascot. Sharon Corcoran Star-Telegram

Oct. 29, 1999: Willard Thomas, Vice-President of the Tarrant County Veterans Council, looks over the headstone of one of the unknown soldiers stationed in Fort Worth who died in 1850, buried in Pioneer's Rest Cemetery. The names of the soldiers have been found through medical records in the National Archives, though which ones are in which grave is unknown. There are 11 unknown soldiers buried in the cemetery. — Oct. 29, 1999: Willard Thomas, Vice-President of the Tarrant County Veterans Council, looks over the headstone of one of the unknown soldiers stationed in Fort Worth who died in 1850, buried in Pioneer's Rest Cemetery. The names of the soldiers have been found through medical records in the National Archives, though which ones are in which grave is unknown. There are 11 unknown soldiers buried in the cemetery. DALE BLACKWELL STAR-TELEGRAM

Dec. 27, 1999: Shopping for a new truck are Roger Ivy and Eva Ivy, from Parker County (they work in Fort Worth). They are looking at a half-ton pickup at Troy Aikman Auto Mall. — Dec. 27, 1999: Shopping for a new truck are Roger Ivy and Eva Ivy, from Parker County (they work in Fort Worth). They are looking at a half-ton pickup at Troy Aikman Auto Mall. Joyce Marshall STAR-TELEGRAM

March 11, 1999: Vonciel and Michel Baudouin, owners of The Grape Escape across from the Bass Performance Hall, in downtown Fort Worth. — March 11, 1999: Vonciel and Michel Baudouin, owners of The Grape Escape across from the Bass Performance Hall, in downtown Fort Worth. Rodger Mallison Star-Telegram

Dec. 23, 1999: The Cullen Davis home off Hulen Street in Fort Worth. It was demolished in 2021. — Dec. 23, 1999: The Cullen Davis home off Hulen Street in Fort Worth. It was demolished in 2021. STAR-TELEGRAM

March 31, 1999: Texas Motor Speedway in far north Fort Worth. — March 31, 1999: Texas Motor Speedway in far north Fort Worth. Olaf Growald STAR-TELEGRAM

Ian Ticheleaut, 15, selects a video to rent from Movie Gallery in Bedford to watch on New Year's Eve. Photo taken on December 31, 1999. — Ian Ticheleaut, 15, selects a video to rent from Movie Gallery in Bedford to watch on New Year's Eve. Photo taken on December 31, 1999. Shanna Lopez FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM

April 11, 1999: Alexander Calder's “The Eagle” is taken apart and moved to an unknown location. The abstract sculpture has been outside the Bank One Tower in Fort Worth since 1971. — April 11, 1999: Alexander Calder's “The Eagle” is taken apart and moved to an unknown location. The abstract sculpture has been outside the Bank One Tower in Fort Worth since 1971. Max Faulkner STAR-TELEGRAM

Vicki Holland and Stan Holland, along with Cody Moon, 7, enjoy their New Year's Day bike ride at Trinity Park in Fort Worth. — Vicki Holland and Stan Holland, along with Cody Moon, 7, enjoy their New Year's Day bike ride at Trinity Park in Fort Worth. JENNIFER LONG STAR-TELEGRAM

Speedway Children's Charities presents $15,000 to Performing Arts Fort Worth for children's education. Left to right are Betty Rutherford, president of the Texas chapter of Speedway Children's Charities, Greg Ray, Indy Racing League driver, Ed Bass, chairman of Performing Arts Fort Worth and Pat Schutts, Bass Performance Hall director of development. Paul Bourgeois story. — Speedway Children's Charities presents $15,000 to Performing Arts Fort Worth for children's education. Left to right are Betty Rutherford, president of the Texas chapter of Speedway Children's Charities, Greg Ray, Indy Racing League driver, Ed Bass, chairman of Performing Arts Fort Worth and Pat Schutts, Bass Performance Hall director of development. Paul Bourgeois story. Rodger Mallison STAR-TELEGRAM

Feb. 25, 1999: Crunch Corner Boxing Club's Austin Hull (right) exchanges punches with Shawn Dutton (left) of Saginaw Boxing Club during the Golden Gloves Tournament at the John Justin Arena in Fort Worth. Hull lost the match. — Feb. 25, 1999: Crunch Corner Boxing Club's Austin Hull (right) exchanges punches with Shawn Dutton (left) of Saginaw Boxing Club during the Golden Gloves Tournament at the John Justin Arena in Fort Worth. Hull lost the match. RONALD MARTINEZ STAR-TELEGRAM

Nov. 18, 1999: Christmas decorations in downtown Fort Worth on the Caravan of Dreams. — Nov. 18, 1999: Christmas decorations in downtown Fort Worth on the Caravan of Dreams. Joyce Marshall STAR-TELEGRAM

April 18, 1999: George Strait performs at the George Strait Summer Country Music Festival at Texas Stadium. — April 18, 1999: George Strait performs at the George Strait Summer Country Music Festival at Texas Stadium. Star-Telegram Archives

Dec. 20, 1999: Idar Wilkinson, right, has done her granddaughter Keshia Fields’ hair for all of her 13 years at Ida's Fashionaire Beauty Salon in Stop Six in Fort Worth. After 46 years, Wilkinson is closing the doors of her salon on Christmas Eve. — Dec. 20, 1999: Idar Wilkinson, right, has done her granddaughter Keshia Fields’ hair for all of her 13 years at Ida's Fashionaire Beauty Salon in Stop Six in Fort Worth. After 46 years, Wilkinson is closing the doors of her salon on Christmas Eve. Jill Johnson STAR-TELEGRAM

Dec. 20, 1999: Idar Wilkinson strikes a pose in front of her beauty shop, Ida's Fashionaire Beauty Salon, in Stop Six. The 63-year-old was closing after 46 years. “I thank God for every one of those years,” she said. — Dec. 20, 1999: Idar Wilkinson strikes a pose in front of her beauty shop, Ida's Fashionaire Beauty Salon, in Stop Six. The 63-year-old was closing after 46 years. “I thank God for every one of those years,” she said. JILL JOHNSON Star-Telegram

Fort Worth Police Department Flight Officer Larry Henderson keeps watch above downtown Forth Worth while patrolling aboard Air One Friday morning. Photo made at10:45 AM. (Star Telegram/ Ron J. Jenkins) 12/31/99 — Fort Worth Police Department Flight Officer Larry Henderson keeps watch above downtown Forth Worth while patrolling aboard Air One Friday morning. Photo made at10:45 AM. (Star Telegram/ Ron J. Jenkins) 12/31/99 Ron J. Jenkins STAR-TELEGRAM

Nov. 15, 1999: Harry Tennison’s experiences helped him get the African black rhino on the endangered species list and inspired him to found a conservation breeding program at the Fort Worth Zoo. — Nov. 15, 1999: Harry Tennison’s experiences helped him get the African black rhino on the endangered species list and inspired him to found a conservation breeding program at the Fort Worth Zoo. Joyce Marshall STAR-TELEGRAM

Sept. 12, 1999: A group of young active actors/playwrights/directors in the Fort Worth theater community. From left, bottom, Lane Pianta, Harold Lehmann, Lake Simons. Top from left, Peter Hargrave, Cole Spivey, Rob Bosquez. The cat in center is the theater cat named Katmandu. They are posing at Hip Pocket Theatre at Oak Acres Amphitheatre on Las Vegas Trail. — Sept. 12, 1999: A group of young active actors/playwrights/directors in the Fort Worth theater community. From left, bottom, Lane Pianta, Harold Lehmann, Lake Simons. Top from left, Peter Hargrave, Cole Spivey, Rob Bosquez. The cat in center is the theater cat named Katmandu. They are posing at Hip Pocket Theatre at Oak Acres Amphitheatre on Las Vegas Trail. Joyce Marshall STAR-TELEGRAM

Nov. 10, 1999: Amy and Jill Sutton, twins of the TCU women's basketball team, have their picture taken at Daniel Meyer Coliseum. — Nov. 10, 1999: Amy and Jill Sutton, twins of the TCU women's basketball team, have their picture taken at Daniel Meyer Coliseum. Jeffery Washington STAR-TELEGRAM

Feb. 20, 1999: Congresswoman Kay Granger speaks to defense contractors and Lockheed Martin employees at the Metroplex Defense and Economic Impact Summit held at Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth. — Feb. 20, 1999: Congresswoman Kay Granger speaks to defense contractors and Lockheed Martin employees at the Metroplex Defense and Economic Impact Summit held at Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth. RONALD MARTINEZ STAR-TELEGRAM

July 27, 1999: Tony Austin, 8, and Gustavo Cervantes, 11, cool off in the pool at McDonald YMCA in Fort Worth. — July 27, 1999: Tony Austin, 8, and Gustavo Cervantes, 11, cool off in the pool at McDonald YMCA in Fort Worth. Hillery Smith Garrison Star-Telegram

March 8, 1999: The re-opening of the Blackstone Hotel as a Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in downtown Fort Worth. — March 8, 1999: The re-opening of the Blackstone Hotel as a Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in downtown Fort Worth. Rodger Mallison STAR-TELEGRAM

Feb. 2, 1999: Mrs. Walter B. Barbour, right, the first African-American female to serve on the Fort Worth City Council (1977-1979), talks with Delta May Jr., a Fort Worth resident, during a special reception honoring past Black City Council members at Dunbar High School. — Feb. 2, 1999: Mrs. Walter B. Barbour, right, the first African-American female to serve on the Fort Worth City Council (1977-1979), talks with Delta May Jr., a Fort Worth resident, during a special reception honoring past Black City Council members at Dunbar High School. RONALD MARTINEZ STAR-TELEGRAM

Oct. 9, 1999: The sign tells the story of Texas Rangers fans’ frustration. The Rangers were playing the New York Yankees in game 3 of the American League Division playoffs at The Ballpark in Arlington. — Oct. 9, 1999: The sign tells the story of Texas Rangers fans’ frustration. The Rangers were playing the New York Yankees in game 3 of the American League Division playoffs at The Ballpark in Arlington. Sharon M. Steinman Star-Telegram

Feb. 2, 1999: Fort Worth Mayor Kenneth Barr, right, tells former council member Dr. Edward W. Guinn, left, “You made a difference” during a reception to honor former African-American council members at Dunbar High School in Fort Worth. Guinn was the first Black person elected to the Fort Worth City Council (1967-1971). He is accompanied by his brother, Dr. James Guinn. — Feb. 2, 1999: Fort Worth Mayor Kenneth Barr, right, tells former council member Dr. Edward W. Guinn, left, “You made a difference” during a reception to honor former African-American council members at Dunbar High School in Fort Worth. Guinn was the first Black person elected to the Fort Worth City Council (1967-1971). He is accompanied by his brother, Dr. James Guinn. RONALD MARTINEZ STAR-TELEGRAM

June 20, 1999: Jeffrey Barnes of Brave Combo plays at the Concerts in the Garden series at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. — June 20, 1999: Jeffrey Barnes of Brave Combo plays at the Concerts in the Garden series at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. JENNIFER LONG Special to the STAR-TELEGRAM

Texas Christian University is trying to improve it's relationship with the neighborhood which it is surrounded by. The TCU banners line Berry St. in front of a home on the corner of Wabash Ave., one block from the edge of campus. Nov 30, 1999 Fort Worth Star-Telegram photo by Ron T. Ennis — Texas Christian University is trying to improve it's relationship with the neighborhood which it is surrounded by. The TCU banners line Berry St. in front of a home on the corner of Wabash Ave., one block from the edge of campus. Nov 30, 1999 Fort Worth Star-Telegram photo by Ron T. Ennis Ron T. Ennis STAR-TELEGRAM

Dec. 23, 1999: Lendon Bridges gasses up his company van at a gas station in Grapevine. Bridges works for a freight delivery service and doesn't really pay attention to the gas price when fueling his work van because he uses a company credit card. — Dec. 23, 1999: Lendon Bridges gasses up his company van at a gas station in Grapevine. Bridges works for a freight delivery service and doesn't really pay attention to the gas price when fueling his work van because he uses a company credit card. Kelley Chinn FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM

Rosemary Slusser and members of the Ukelele Band perform during an anniversary party at the Senior Recreation Center Monday, 10/26/99. (Bobby Ornelas/Special to Star telegram) — Rosemary Slusser and members of the Ukelele Band perform during an anniversary party at the Senior Recreation Center Monday, 10/26/99. (Bobby Ornelas/Special to Star telegram) Bobby Ornelas STAR TELEGRAM

Dec. 4, 1999: National Archives southwest region volunteer recognition luncheon at Fort Worth Botanic Gardens: Glenrose Englerth and Harvey Wallen. — Dec. 4, 1999: National Archives southwest region volunteer recognition luncheon at Fort Worth Botanic Gardens: Glenrose Englerth and Harvey Wallen. Sharon Corcoran STAR-TELEGRAM

Dec. 6, 1999: Gary Reeder, center, and his wife Sandra, far left, are joined by clients of Cornerstone Prodigy outside the U.S. Courthouse in downtown Fort Worth as they protest against the Securities and Exchange Commission. The commission filed suit against Cornerstone Prodigy. The company's assets and Reeder's home were seized. Protesters voiced their support for Reeder and said they had faith in the company. — Dec. 6, 1999: Gary Reeder, center, and his wife Sandra, far left, are joined by clients of Cornerstone Prodigy outside the U.S. Courthouse in downtown Fort Worth as they protest against the Securities and Exchange Commission. The commission filed suit against Cornerstone Prodigy. The company's assets and Reeder's home were seized. Protesters voiced their support for Reeder and said they had faith in the company. Rodger Mallison STAR-TELEGRAM

MORE: Check out Star-Telegram archive photos in our collection here, including:

This story was originally published March 31, 2026 at 2:47 PM.

Matt Leclercq

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Matt Leclercq was senior managing editor at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram from 2021 to 2026. He is now editor of The Charlotte Observer and can be reached at mleclercq@charlotteobserver.com.