Episode 10: Why Fort Worth Has a Hulen Street: The Soldier, the Railroad Boss, and the Story Nobody Told You

Send us Fan MailWe Got The Funk Podcast – Episode 11Thousands of people drive down Hulen Street every day. It’s one of the busiest roads on the west side of Fort Worth. But very few people know the story behind the name.In Episode 11 of We Got The Funk Podcast, we explore the remarkable life of John Augustus Hulen, a man who helped shape both Texas military history and the railroad industry that powered the state’s growth.Hulen grew up in Gainesville, where he developed a strong interest in military service. He began his career with the Gainesville Rifles and quickly rose through the ranks. During the Spanish–American War, he served as a Major in the U.S. Volunteers. Soon after, he was deployed overseas during the Philippine–American War, where his leadership in combat earned national recognition and the Silver Star.But Hulen’s story doesn’t end with the military.When he wasn’t in uniform, he built a powerful career in railroads. He worked with major rail systems including the Trinity and Brazos Valley Railway, the Burlington–Rock Island Railroad, and the Fort Worth and Denver City Railway. At a time when railroads drove the American economy, Hulen helped guide struggling rail companies back to profitability and became one of the most influential railroad executives in Texas.When World War I began, Hulen returned to military service. He played a key role in organizing the 36th Infantry Division, whose soldiers trained at Camp Bowie before heading to Europe.The division later fought in major battles including the Meuse–Argonne Offensive, one of the largest and deadliest operations of the war. For his leadership, Hulen received multiple honors including the Distinguished Service Medal and two Croix de Guerre medals.In the early 1920s, Fort Worth honored his service by naming a street near Camp Bowie after him. What began as a short road eventually expanded into the eleven-mile corridor known today as Hulen Street.In this episode, we uncover the powerful story behind a name that thousands of Fort Worth residents see every day—but rarely stop to think about.The next time you drive down Hulen Street, you’ll know the history behind it.⏱ Episode Timeline0:00 – IntroductionWhy Hulen Street is one of Fort Worth’s most overlooked historical names.1:30 – Early Life in GainesvilleHow Hulen’s upbringing shaped his military ambitions.4:00 – Military Service BeginsFrom Texas volunteers to overseas combat.8:30 – Railroad Executive CareerBuilding and rebuilding major Texas railroads.12:00 – World War I and Camp BowieTraining the 36th Infantry Division for battle.16:30 – The Naming of Hulen StreetHow Fort Worth honored his legacy.18:30 – Final Years and LegacyIf you enjoy discovering the hidden history of Fort Worth, follow We Got The Funk Podcast for more stories about the people, places, and moments that shaped the city. 🎙️Support the show