History Left A Definite Mark At This One Fascinating Spot In Fort Worth

Historic Mosier Valley is where the first freed Texans settled after the Emancipation Proclamation proclaiming that all slaves "shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free" was issued by President Abraham Lincoln. Although the proclamation became effective Jan. 1, 1863, news didn't reach Texans until June 19, 1865, which is why Texas celebrates "Juneteenth." The area on the bank of the Trinity River was initially home to about 10 freed slave families. Here's more about historic Mosier Valley Park:

Mosier Valley was established in the 1870s after Trinity River bottomland was given and sold to the freedmen by the Mosier and Lee plantation families.

This was the first house in Mosier Valley, a log cabin built by Robert and Delsie Johnson. A 40-acre tract of land was a wedding gift from the Lee family, whom Delsie worked for.

A school was built for the farm children in the mid-1920s.

The schoolhouse was replaced by a brick structure in 1953. It was relocated to Bedford and preserved. The inset photo is how it looks today.

Mosier Valley had its highest population from about 1910 through the 1930s.

During this time about 300 residents lived there. The area was annexed by Fort Worth in 1963.

A historical marker commemorates where the school once was.

Grounds are prepared for the enhancements that are expected to be completed by March 2018.

City expansion plans were reviewed and supported by area residents.

The expansion project includes additional land, playground, trails, a farming demonstration area, and a multi-use court. It also includes an area that pays homage to its history and the people who first moved here with their new freedom.

Locals are excited about the unity and activity the park grounds will bring to the historic area.

You can see the Fort Worth cityscape in the distance from Mosier Valley.

Fort Worth, like many cities, is seeking community input on finding the balance of how to preserve history while at the same time celebrating progress. Locals are excited about the park's addition as a way to further unite communities and encourage the site to be an area destination spot.

What other ways are you seeing the Metroplex reach out to its residents? Will you visit Mosier Valley Park and its amenities there?