Mid City Times

The City of Fort Worth has commissioned an original artwork, Vaquero de Fort Worth, through the Fort Worth Public Art program. The 10-foot bronze sculpture was installed on June 4, 2012, at the corner of North Main Street and Central Avenue, between downtown and the historic Stockyards.

A plaque beside the sculpture reads: “The vaquero, or ‘cowman,’ is a skilled mounted horseman whose stock-tending techniques significantly contributed to the ranching tradition dating back centuries. Originating in Mexico during the Spanish colonial period and continuing into the trail-driving era of the 19th century, the vaquero shaped the working methods of the modern-day cattle industry.” It further adds: “The vaquero played a major role in Texas history, guiding cattle and livestock through the Chisholm Trail, which passed through Fort Worth.”

Jenny Conn, Fort Worth Public Art collection manager, shared additional insights about the piece.

Photos at top and below: Vaquero de Fort Worth (2011), Tomás Bustos and David Newton, bronze. Image courtesy of Fort Worth Public Art.

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