A vivid legacy on display: General Worth returns to Fort Worth

A vivid legacy on display: General Worth returns to Fort Worth

Published on May 06, 2025

Fort Worth history has come home to City Hall.

In partnership with the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History (FWMSH), the City of Fort Worth has unveiled a remarkable collection of personal artifacts belonging to Gen. William Jenkins Worth, the City's namesake and one of America's most distinguished military leaders of the 19th century. The collection is on permanent display in the lobby at Fort Worth City Hall.

The exhibit was made possible by a partnership with FWMSH and gives the public an opportunity to experience a connection to a man whose leadership helped shape the United States - and whose name helped shape a 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 installation features several artifacts that were donated to FWMSH by descendants of General Worth and recently restored:

• A Chapeau de Bras (c. 1832-1838), an elegant foldable hat worn for formal military occasions.
• A ceremonial sash (c. 1845), rich in color and tradition.
• A hat container (c. 1838-1849) and epaulet container (c. 1812-1849), each designed to protect symbols of rank.
• A pair of epaulets (c. 1812-1849), a prestige only of a high-ranking officer.
• And a complete U.S. Army officer's uniform from the period between 1812 and 1849, representing decades of military 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."

In the last year, FWMSH has worked to restore the items for display and collaborated with the City for a display at City Hall. The items were directly donated to FWMSH by members of General Worth's family. These artifacts have been passed down for generations and now have the opportunity to be seen by the public.

"Our family appreciates the commitment to the preservation of these historical items of Gen. William Jenkins Worth, the namesake of this city," said Steven Sprague, a descendant of General Worth. "Our family is glad to know that these original items will be appreciated and enjoyed by generations to come."

Each piece offers a glimpse into Worth's storied military career - from the War of 1812 and the Indian Wars to his leadership during the Mexican American War, where he led troops at Monterrey and Chapultepec and helped lay the groundwork for America's expansion westward.

The items in the collection reflect the meaning behind these artifacts and General Worth's enduring legacy - not only in military history, but right here in Fort Worth. Worth's 1849 plan for frontier defense inspired the creation of a fort along the Trinity River, later named in his honor by Maj. Ripley Allen Arnold. Today, Fort Worth stands as a living monument to his vision and leadership.

This special display reintroduces Fort Worth residents to the man behind the name - not just through stories, but through the very garments and gear that carried him across decades of American history.

The public is welcome to see the display of artifacts at City Hall on weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Photo at top: The items in the collection reflect General Worth's legacy in military history - and here in Fort Worth.

Photo below: Gen. William Jenkins Worth

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• Arts & Culture