A few weeks back, I did a road trip finding some of the filming locations of both the 1974 and 2003 versions of the film Texas Chain Saw Massacre. You can read those adventures starting HERE! It was kind of a off the cuff trip and as we found the 1974 gas station location, I learned that the place was being restored to movie form and opening as a real bbq joint and business. The plan was set in motion right then to return to this place on the day of it's grand opening. Well I couldn't justify making the trip from Dallas down to Bastrop for one grand opening, so what filming locations I missed the first trip down I was going to make the point to visit.
Tattoo Ranch is located in the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards. Cowtown Winery next door offers a great ghost tour of the area.
First off the list was a local site about an hour away from Dallas. In a small Fort Worth tattoo parlor surrounded by saloons, western wear shops, and cowboy steakhouses, you will find the location of the original chainsaw from the 1974 movie. Tattoo Ranch is located in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, right across from one of the areas most active haunted locations Miss Molly's. I did explore the haunted side of the stock yards recently in another blog. Click HERE for more info and learn about the underground tunnels of the stock yards. You can see the chainsaw for free and check out some other amazing horror and music memorabilia as well. The chainsaw is to the left as you enter the tattoo parlor, behind the giant taxidermy gator on the ground! Definitely a great place to visit, especially while exploring the other sites of the stock yards.
A shrine to the chain saw. the case is filled with photos memorabilia and autographs from the 1974 movie.
the lime green chain saw
up close shot of the chain saw!
Next on the Leatherface trail was the graveyard from the opening of the 1974 movie. There was a lot of development going on in the area. I understand that cities and populations grow but it's still odd to find a 160 year old cemetery across the street from a CVS pharmacy, a Little Caesars, and a mattress store. Esp given it's macabre history. Bagdad Cemetery is located in Leander, TX. Established in 1855, the first to be buried was a small boy aged 3 named John Babcock. In this fairly small cemetery it's easy to spot the exact location as the grave markers in the movie are next to the only stone building in the center of the lot. If you take the first dirt path into the cemetery, you will cross the Bagdad Cemetery sign and historical marker, take the first left. As soon as you pass the stone building the grave markers will be on the right.
Entrance to Bagdad Cemetery. Est. 1855. Take first left as you enter the cemetery.
Opening shot of the 1974 Texas Chain Saw Massacre
Not much has changed in the stones themselves but the surrounding area is far different from the time of filming.
As the grave yard continues to add residents to it's lot, the stark contrast between the old hand carved elaborate grave stones versus the simplistic modern stones are very apparent. A lost art I believe. We even lost what the meaning of the different symbols on a stone mean. A dove or two hands carved into the stone. These were not just a matter of taste, but a symbol and look into the past life buried underneath. You can learn more about these symbols at graveaddiction.com.
Walking through the old stones in Bagdad Cemetery. Most stones in this area date back to the middle of the 19th century. Some stones are elaborate and ornate while others are simple and traditional. as we walked down this path, the first two stones to greet us were two child size plots dating 1879. The chills ran high here.
Next on the list, the slaughterhouse from the 2003 remake. Funny enough, this location is an actual live and thriving slaughterhouse and meat market. Located in Taylor, Texas, The Taylor Meat company is featured not only in the 2003 remake but the 2006 prequel as well. Basically lit for a night shoot, the building itself did not go through much change for filming. Pretty neat! Easy to spot off the highway, and to walk around for a photo or two. just watch out for the semi's delivering supplies to the shop.
The Taylor Meat Company as it stands today in the daylight.
A little lighting and a sign was all that was needed for this place.
the pens are located in the back of the slaughterhouse, but be respectful as this is a working business.
Stay tuned for part for Part. 6 as we explore the 2003 gas station and experience the Grand Opening of The Gas Station. The 1974's gas station We Slaughter BBQ.