JFK IN FORT WORTH

“There are no faint hearts in Fort Worth.” – President John F. Kennedy

On the morning of November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy gave a planned speech at Fort Worth's Chamber of Commerce breakfast. Moved by the thousands of people who had been waiting in the rain with hopes of catching a glimpse of him, President Kennedy addressed the crowd of thousands with an unscheduled speech.

No one knew those would be his last public appearances. The tragedy later in the day cut his presidency and life short, making his Fort Worth visit an important historical event and the themes of his speeches even more poignant. His legacy to Fort Worth lives on through the JFK Tribute, located at the site of his impromptu speech.

The historic Hilton Fort Worth (formerly Hotel Texas) where President Kennedy spent his final night is adorned with historic photos of that fateful day. Snapshots include images from suite 850 where the President and first lady stayed. Prior to President Kennedy’s arrival to Fort Worth, a small group of local art collectors assembled 16 original pieces, by the likes of Picasso and Monet and staged an impressive installation inside the suite.

Trace history from Fort Worth to Dallas with our In JFK’s Footsteps itinerary.