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Happy Birthday, President Jimmy Carter!

This week Former President Jimmy Carter celebrates his 97th year! Happy Birthday! Born James Earl “Jimmy” Carter, Jr. on October 1, 1924.

President Jimmy Carter in Cowtown
Photo credit: The Portal to Texas History, UNT Archives

Jimmy Carter flys to Fort Worth aboard Air Force One to Carswell Airforce Base, AFB. He is escorted to the Cowtown Coliseum in the historic Stockyards to give a speech in Fort Worth, late 1970s. Henry B. Gonzalez stands to the right of Carter, and Jim Wright is standing on the left.

James Earl “Jimmy” Carter, Jr. Senator of Georgia from 1963-1967, Governor of Georgia from 1971-1975, and President of the United States from 1977-1981.

Jimmy Carter volunteers relentlessly for Habitat for Humanity.
Habitat for Humanity photo credit.

He has also spent countless hours working with Habitat for Humanity. Habitat for Humanity quote, “President Carter and Mrs. Carter are one of the most famous volunteers since 1984. They continue to be an inspiration for millions of Habitat for Humanity volunteers and supporters around the world!”

Fort Worth Heritage

Vaquero De Fort Worth

Vaquero De Fort Worth Sculpture

Vaquero de Fort Worth
Between downtown and the historic Stockyards stands a sculpture that pays homage to the cultural and economic contributions of the Mexican cattle herders. The more-than-10-foot-tall bronze Vaquero was installed on the corner of North Main Street and Central Avenue in 2012. The sculpture commemorates and preserves the Hispanic history in Cowtown.

A plaque rest beside the Vaquero sculpture reading as follows “ 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 nineteenth century, the vaquero shaped the working methods of the modern-day cattle industry.

Vaquero De Fort Worth plaque

Vaquero de Fort Worth captures the spirit of these proud and skilled men, who left their mark on the city’s cattle industry. Details such as the sombrero, saddle, and chaps are distinguishing elements of the vaquero’s expertise and affirm the rich Hispanic traditions that define the city’s diverse cultural roots. The vaquero’s legacy can still be seen in the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District.”