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PANTHER CITY FOUNTAIN
2002
the wit and imagination of the citizens of fort worth in the early
19th century have been perpetuated in the nickname of fort worth
as the "panther city". a newspaper story reported that fort worth
was such a dull and drowsy place that a panther was seen sleeping
in the city on the steps by the courthouse. this story captured
the imagination of early settlers of fort worth.
in their initial endeavors at establishing this city's identity,
the nickname of panther city was adopted for fort worth. the
name was catchy and stories carried forth the panther theme.
the local newspaper, fort worth democrat, added to its masthead
a drawing of a panther, further adding to the historical significance
of "panther city". live cubs were housed at the city fire hall
and at many of the local businesses. at one of the community
parades in dallas (a small town east of fort worth), the representatives
of fort worth carried panther cubs on their floats in representation
of "the city where the west begins". many citizens talked about
panthers roaming through the frontier town during the early
settlement period. more recently, city police officers have added
a panther to their badge emblem.
these are but a few of the many historical references of how
fort worth became known as "panther city". this statue and fountain
are dedicated to the unique heritage of fort worth.
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