|
Abstract:
|
The second half of the nineteenth century saw a "civilizing" trend across the rural and urban West . In Texas boosters launched myriad campaigns emphasizing the close of the western frontier and the emergence of a more modern society . This paper examines the methods used by Texas boosters to attract new residents and visitors . While all booster campaigns relied on access to railroads , rural and urban boosters used different tactics to lure settlers to their part of the state . Rural boosters extolled the virtues of a simple life where a man could be his own boss and where there is room for everyone . Boosters for Dallas and Fort Worth , however , used local businesses , fairs , and civic improvements to promote their cities . While Dallas became a cotton exchange and commercial hub , Fort Worth became a cattle market and meat packing center . Fort Worth showcased its emergence as a modern , cultured city by hosting the Texas Spring Palace exhibition , just as Dallas used the State Fair of Texas and Texas Centennial Exhibition to the same ends . Because of Dallas and Fort Worth's close proximity to each other an aggressive spirit of boosterism developed as each city competed for regional dominance . This paper explores the tactics used by boosters for both rural and urban areas and examines the success of those campaigns in transforming the Western frontier . |