Fort Worth history has returned to City Hall with the unveiling of a remarkable collection of personal artifacts belonging to Gen. William Jenkins Worth, the city's namesake and a distinguished 19th-century American military leader. The permanent exhibit in the lobby of Fort Worth City Hall is a partnership between the City of Fort Worth and the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History (FWMSH).
The installation offers the public a tangible connection to the man whose leadership played a significant role in shaping the United States and whose name defines the city.
"It is truly a gift to display this collection in the lobby of City Hall for the community to enjoy," said Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker. "I always say Fort Worth is a city that balances charging into the future with remembering where it came from. And we are lucky that the family of General Worth and the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History have shared these heirlooms for every person who comes through City Hall to view."
The exhibit features several artifacts donated to FWMSH by General Worth's descendants and recently restored, including:
- A Chapeau de Bras (c. 1832-1838), a formal foldable military hat.
- A ceremonial sash (c. 1845), rich in color and tradition.
- A hat container (c. 1838-1849) and epaulet container (c. 1812–1849), designed to protect symbols of rank.
- A pair of epaulets (c. 1812-1849), signifying a high-ranking officer.
- A complete U.S. Army officer’s uniform from the period between 1812 and 1849, representing decades of service.
"We are honored to be a part of this meaningful project and to share such treasured artifacts from our collection with the new Fort Worth City Hall," said Regina Faden Ph.D., FWMSH president. "Our mission is to engage our community with the rich history and stories of Texas, and we are thrilled to contribute to this opportunity to showcase historic items that once belonged to Gen. William Jenkins Worth — the namesake of our great city."
FWMSH undertook the restoration of the artifacts over the past year and collaborated with the City on the City Hall display. The items were directly donated to the museum by members of General Worth’s family and have been passed down through generations.
Steven Sprague, a descendant of General Worth, stated, "Our family appreciates the commitment to the preservation of these historical items of Gen. William Jenkins Worth, the namesake of this city. Our family is glad to know that these original items will be appreciated and enjoyed by generations to come."
Each artifact offers a glimpse into Worth’s distinguished military career, spanning the War of 1812, the Indian Wars, and his leadership during the Mexican American War, where his contributions at Monterrey and Chapultepec were pivotal in America’s westward expansion.
The collection underscores the enduring legacy of General Worth, not only in military history but also in the very foundation of Fort Worth. His 1849 plan for frontier defense inspired the establishment of a fort along the Trinity River, which was later named in his honor by Maj. Ripley Allen Arnold. Today, Fort Worth stands as a testament to his vision and leadership.
This special display provides Fort Worth residents with a personal connection to the man behind the city's name, showcasing the very items that accompanied him through significant periods of American history.
The public is invited to view the General William Jenkins Worth artifact display at Fort Worth City Hall during weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
