𝙒𝒉𝙚𝒓𝙚 𝙞𝒕 𝒂𝙡𝒍 𝒃𝙚𝒈𝙖𝒏:
𝙂𝒖𝙡𝒇 𝑪𝙤𝒂𝙨𝒕 𝑪𝙖𝒕𝙩𝒍𝙚 𝙇𝒆𝙜𝒂𝙘𝒚
Before the bright lights of rodeo arenas… there were stockyards, ships, and Gulf Coast cattlemen shaping an industry
Port City Stockyards weren’t just a marketplace—they were the heartbeat of Texas cattle commerce along the coast
Over the next few weeks, we’re sharing the story of how these yards—and the families behind them—helped build what we now know as the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo.
This is Gulf Coast beef history.
This is our legacy.
What Was Port City Stockyards?
Port City Stockyards played a critical role in moving cattle from Texas ranches to national and international markets.
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Located near Houston’s shipping channels
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Connected cattle producers to global demand
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Linked ranches to rail and port systems
These stockyards helped establish Texas as a dominant force in the beef industry—long before modern supply chains
Did you know cattle from Texas were exported overseas this early?
The Birth of a Tradition
The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo didn’t just appear overnight It was built on the foundation of cattlemen, commerce, and community—many tied directly to Port City Stockyards.
What began as a way to promote livestock and agriculture grew into one of the largest events of its kind in the world
And it all traces back to the people who believed in showcasing Texas beef.
The Families Behind the Legacy
Behind every stockyard gate and cattle drive were families who built the industry.
Families like the Sartwelles, who we will honor this year, helped shape cattle commerce, community leadership, and agricultural advocacy along the Gulf Coast
Their work didn’t just impact their generation—it built opportunities that still exist today.
Legacy isn’t just history It’s something we carry forward.
Why This Matters Today
The systems built by early cattlemen still influence how beef reaches your table today
From transportation networks to marketing programs, their legacy lives on in:
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Beef quality
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Supply chains
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Agricultural education
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Youth livestock programs
Supporting beef today means supporting generations of stewardship.
CattleWomen in the Legacy
Women have always been part of the story.
From ranch operations to advocacy, education, and leadership—Texas CattleWomen continue to shape the future of beef.
The Texas Coastal CattleWomen are proud to carry forward the legacy built by generations before us!
