Appearing in around 170 movies across half a century, John Wayne remains an icon of Americana almost 50 years after his death.
Yet it wasn’t until the start of the decade that his estate opened up an official museum to Duke with over 400 pieces of personal and professional memorabilia.
Speaking exclusively with Express.co.uk, his son Ethan Wayne told us: “I thought about a museum for many years. I’ve seen a lot of good museums fail that has really significant artifacts in them, and didn’t want to put his name on something that wasn’t going to be successful.”
After considering Hollywood, Las Vegas and Nashville, Fort Worth’s historic Stockyards was chosen for its Texan cowboy legacy.
Ethan reflected: “It feels appropriate for my father, his character and set of values fit into the epicentre of Western lifestyle that takes place there. We still have the cattle drive. We still have horses and appreciation for the character and values that built the country. So it’s right across from the Rodeo Coliseum, the site of the world’s first indoor rodeo.”
Express.co.uk flew into Dallas Fort Worth to check out this shrine to John Wayne, and it’s clear it’s a must-visit for Duke fans. Decorated in masculine wood, brick, and leather, the museum begins with a short film before a room full of display cases with personal items from Marion Morrison’s youth. Among them is his correspondence with famous friends, including Kirk Douglas, Paul McCartney, and President Jimmy Carter, which highlights that Wayne’s friendships transcended political differences.
The highlight of this 10,000-square-foot exhibit, though, has to be the space dedicated to Wayne’s movie costumes, hats and props. Among them are the costumes from his most famous films, including a case of actual sand from Iwo Jima. Lit displays of Duke in his various roles all lead up to the outfits, with his Best Actor Oscar for True Grit taking centre stage in all its glory.
Further on into the museum were items from Wayne’s personal life including one of his cars and his firearms of both personal and movie prop use. There’s even the massive Gatling gun from The War Wagon sitting in front of a projection of the American flag.
On the way out, more of his cowboy hats are on display alongside his Presidential Medal of Freedom before you can check out the large retail space with limited edition John Wayne items, from whisky to clothing. Outside in the Stockyards, there’s plenty more cowboy fun to be had. The cattle run takes place each day along the street, which is lined with Western supply stores, steakhouses, and BBQ joints.
We tried Joe T Garcia’s Mexican restaurant, which serves delicious fajitas in Lone Star State portion sizes. Elsewhere in Fort Worth, there are some great fine dining options, from Italian dishes with a Texan twist at 61 Osteria to Don Aremio’s Mexican heritage restaurant, where we feasted on a juicy Tomahawk steak washed down with wine from the oldest vineyard south of the border.
Staying at the new 5-star Bowie House Hotel, with its modern take on the city’s Western legacy, meant we were based in the Cultural District, which has various museums, including the Cowgirl Hall of Fame and some local art galleries.
A little way from the Stockyards, if staying at this end of town, we’d recommend hiring a car as, although there are well-connected buses and taxis available, Fort Worth can get pretty toasty.
John Wayne: An American Experience is located in Fort Worth, Texas and tickets can be purchased here.