The Fort Worth Stock Yards Company was created in 1893 when Boston capitalist Greenlief W. Simpson led a group of investors in purchasing the Fort Worth Union Stock Yards. Under Simpson's leadership, the company earned the support of the Texas Cattle Raisers Association and lured Armour and Swift to open plants there. Publicity through the company's market newspaper and annual Fat Stock Show, both begun in 1896, significantly increased the number of animals brought to market. The company built the area's livestock-related facilities and held controlling interest in many North Fort Worth businesses and properties. Its greatest success came during the first five decades of the 20th century. During World War I, foreign governments purchased draft animals, making Fort Worth the largest horse and mule market in the world. In 1917, overall livestock market receipts reached 3,500,000, and in 1944, sales exceeded 5,000,000 head of livestock. By the 1950s, however, local auctions were drawing sellers away from this central market. Today the Fort Worth Stock Yards Company remains a significant part of the city's unique heritage.