Memorials & Cultural Landscapes

Fred Rouse Memorial

Fort Worth, Texas

Fred Rouse Memorial at night

Project Overview

The Mr. Fred Rouse Memorial honors an African American meatpacking worker who was denied union membership, crossed the 1921 strike line to work, and was later kidnapped and lynched near the site. Championed by his grandson, family, and the Tarrant County Coalition for Peace and Justice, the memorial invites visitors to confront this history while honoring Rouse’s courage and legacy.

Rain gardens, corten tree panels, a timeline wall, contemplative paths, and the central memorial wall create a reflective journey toward the historic hackberry tree. Green infrastructure also reduces flooding, captures carbon, and symbolizes the resilience of the African American community.

Site Design

Plan Legend

  1. 9 Limestone Benches
  2. Permeable Pavers
  3. Donor Recognition Pavers
  4. Rain Gardens
  5. Memorial Wall
  6. Soil Healing Area
  7. Concrete Entrance
  8. Fence
  9. Entrance Sign
  10. Corten Tree Walk-through Panels
  11. Timeline/Donor Recognition Wall
  12. Drop-off Zone
  13. Garden of Release
  14. Garden of Contemplation

Community Engagement

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Virtual Walk-Through

Experience the memorial in context.

Scan the QR code to open an interactive walk-through of the Mr. Fred Rouse Memorial.

QR code for virtual walk-through

Point your camera here