Amon G. Carter

Amon Giles Carter (1879-1955) was a well-known and respected business leader in Texas and across the country. Though he is perhaps best known as a pre-eminent newspaper publisher of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, he was also very successful in the oil, cattle, and radio/television businesses. He also established WBAP, Fort Worth's first radio station, which later became the first television station in the Southwest in 1948. Carter's friends and colleagues included the most prominent names in government, business, industry, and entertainment.

Carter's philanthropy touched both individuals and institutions. He gave to educational institutions, hospitals, museums, churches, parks, and camps, some of which bear his name today. Carter was a major influence in the establishment of Texas Tech University and was a major contributor to Texas Christian University. He led a statewide campaign that resulted in the creation of Big Bend National Park.

An avid proponent of the airline industry, he brought the headquarters of South West Air Corporation, later known as American Airlines, to Fort Worth, and secured government funding for a local aircraft factory that is known today as Lockheed-Martin.