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

The Great Hanging at Gainesville, 1862

Photographed by Mark Hilton, July 21, 2016

1. The Great Hanging at Gainesville, 1862 Marker (Front)

Inscription. Facing the threat of invasion from the north and fearing a Unionist uprising in their midst, the people of North Texas lived in constant dread during the Civil War. Word of a "Peace Party" of Union sympathizers, sworn to destroy their government, kill their leaders, and bring in Federal troops caused great alarm in Cooke and neighboring counties. Spies joined the "Peace Party" discovered its members and details of their plans. Under the leadership of Colonels James Bourland, Daniel Montague and others, citizens loyal to the Confederacy determined to destroy the order; and on the morning of October 1, 1862, there were widespread arrests "by

(see other side)
authority of the people of Cooke County." Fear of rescue by "Peace Party" members brought troops and militia to Gainesville, where the prisoners were assembled, and hastened action by the citizens committee. At a meeting of Cooke County citizens, with Colonel W. C. Young presiding, it was unanimously resolved to establish a Citizens Court and to have the Chairman choose a committee to select a jury. 68 men were brought speedily before the court. 39 of them were

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found guilty of conspiracy and insurrection, sentenced and immediately hanged. Three other prisoners who were members of military units were allowed trial by Court Martial at their request and were subsequently hanged by its order. Two others broke from their guard and were shot and killed. The Texas Legislature appropriated $4,500 for rations, forage used by State troops here during the unrest.

Erected 1963 by the State of Texas. (Marker Number 5347.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Events • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is October 1, 1862.

Location. 33° 37.432′ N, 97° 8.308′ W. Marker is in Gainesville, Texas, in Cooke County. It is at the intersection of East Main Street and South Schopmeyer Street, on the left when traveling east on East Main Street. Located within the small Georgia Davis Bass Memorial Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: East Main Street, Gainesville TX 76240, 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

The Great Hanging at Gainesville, 1862 Marker (Reverse) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, July 21, 2016

2. The Great Hanging at Gainesville, 1862 Marker (Reverse)

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 walking distance of this marker: Civil War Dissent In North Texas (within shouting distance of this marker); Gainesville-Fort Sill Road (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Santa Fe Passenger Depot (approx. 0.2 miles away); Saint Paul's Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); First United Methodist Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Cooke County Free Library (approx. ¼ mile away); First Presbyterian Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Davis House (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gainesville.

Also see . . .
1. Wikipedia article on the Great Hanging. (Submitted on September 8, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
2. Texas State Historical Association article on the Great Hanging. (Submitted on September 8, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
3. The Texas Observer article on the Great Hanging.

Wide view of marker (on left) and newer marker on right. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, July 21, 2016

3. Wide view of marker (on left) and newer marker on right.

(Submitted on September 8, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)

Credits. This page was last revised on September 8, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 8, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 2,316 times since then and 191 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 8, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.