The History of Haltom City, Texas
Haltom City is named for a jeweler who owned the grassland it was built on. It started as a farming junction on a railroad, grew when a highway came through and pulled businesses in, and turned into a working-class suburb hugging the northeast side of Fort Worth. It also gave the world a Grammy-winning bluesman, which is more than most suburbs its size can claim.
Farm Country Near Birdville (Early 1900s–1932)
The area was farm country northeast of Fort Worth, near the old Birdville settlement, and the town would take its name from the Haltom family — G. W. Haltom was a Fort Worth jeweler. It was quiet farm-and-rail country on the edge of Fort Worth, not much more than a name on the line, until the roads changed everything in the early 1930s.
The Highway and a New Name (1932–1949)
When a new highway — today's East Belknap — was built through the area in the early 1930s, businesses from nearby Birdville moved over to take advantage of the traffic, and the community around the junction grew fast. The place organized around Haltom's land and, spurred by postwar suburban growth, incorporated in 1949 as Haltom City, honoring the landowner and businessman whose grassland it had risen on. A farming junction had become a city in a couple of decades.
A Working-Class Suburb (1950s–Today)
Haltom City grew into a solidly blue-collar inner suburb of Fort Worth, packed with small businesses, manufacturers, and modest neighborhoods along the Belknap corridor. It never chased the upscale reputation of the northeast Tarrant suburbs; it stayed a practical, affordable working city.
Timeline
1900s
Farm families work the land northeast of Fort Worth, near the old Birdville settlement.
1930s
A new highway (East Belknap) is built; businesses relocate from Birdville and the area booms.
1949
The community incorporates as Haltom City, named for landowner and jeweler G.W. Haltom.
Notable People
G.W. Haltom
Rancher and jeweler whose grassland the community grew on and for whom Haltom City is named.
FAQ: History of Haltom City
The city is named for G.W. Haltom, a rancher and jeweler who owned much of the grassland the community grew on. It incorporated as Haltom City in 1949.
The area was farm country near the old Birdville settlement before it grew and took the Haltom City name, after the family of Fort Worth jeweler G. W. Haltom.
When a new highway — today's East Belknap Street — was built through the area in the early 1930s, businesses relocated from nearby Birdville to capture the traffic, and the community around Haltom's land grew quickly.
East Texas guides — an easy drive from Haltom City
Weekend trips, lakes, festivals and small-town food east of the metroplex.
A Brief History of East Texas
From Caddo settlements to the oil boom and beyond, discover how centuries of history shaped East Texas communities like Tyler, Kilgore, and Henderson.
Read Guide →Best Day Trips from Tyler and East Texas
Drive-time guide to day trips from Tyler: state parks, small towns, museums, and lakes within about 30 minutes, an hour, and up to three hours.
Read Guide →East Texas Festivals and Annual Events
Season-by-season guide to East Texas festivals and events — Canton's First Monday Trade Days, the Texas Rose Festival, the Yamboree, Wonderland of Lights and more, checked against each host's own site.
Read Guide →East Texas State Parks Guide
Twelve East Texas state parks from TPWD: Tyler, Caddo Lake, Atlanta, Lake Bob Sandlin, Tawakoni, Purtis Creek, Cooper, Martin Dies Jr. and more. Camping, cabins and passes.
Read Guide →Business Owner?
Want Your Business Featured in Haltom City?
People are searching for businesses like yours in Haltom City. Get listed in our city guide and local directory so they can find you.