Gainesville in Cooke County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Salem Community Well

Photographed by Morgan Petermann, December 19, 2023

1. Salem Community Well Marker

Inscription. Hand dug by citizens in the late 1800s, the well was a gathering place for the Salem (later Shady Grove) community. P.G. Dotson directed the work for the brick-lined well dug to a depth of 17 feet. Intended to provide water for the nearby Salem school, the well also became useful for area homes and farms, churches and livestock. The well was even a popular dating spot for young couples. The nearby Salem school building also served as a church for various congregations. During World War II, local women of the community came to the school building to pray for their loved ones overseas. The historic well evokes pioneer times and the ongoing memories of the Salem community.

Erected 2012 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 17344.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers.

Location. 33° 33.76′ N, 96° 58.793′ W. Marker is in Gainesville, Texas, in Cooke County. It is on County Route 222 near Farm to Market Road 3164, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Gainesville TX 76240,

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United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Indian Creek Cemetery (approx. 3.1 miles away); Barron Cemetery (approx. 3½ miles away); Hiram Lodge No. 433, A. F. & A. M. (approx. 3.9 miles away); Oak Grove Community (approx. 4½ miles away); Nelson Grove Cemetery (approx. 5.2 miles away); Tioga Cemetery (approx. 6.4 miles away); Mountain Springs School (approx. 6.7 miles away); The Cross Timbers (approx. 6.9 miles away).

Photographed by Morgan Petermann, December 19, 2023

2. Salem Community Well Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 21, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 19, 2023, by Morgan Petermann of Hurst, Texas. This page has been viewed 514 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 19, 2023, by Morgan Petermann of Hurst, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.