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

The Cross Timbers

Photographed by Mark Hilton, July 21, 2016

1. The Cross Timbers Marker

Inscription. Two long, narrow strips of timber extending parallel to each other from Oklahoma to Central Texas; form a marked contrast to adjacent prairie. The more fertile East Cross Timbers begin here in Cooke County. Area was famous pioneer landmark as well as obstacle to travel because of its dense growth. It divided the hunting grounds of the Plains and East Texas Indians. Until 1870s it marked boundary of settlement, for Plains Indians avoided the timber. Forests' most important function was (and is) causing soil to retain water.

Erected 1970 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 5316.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Horticulture & Forestry • Indigenous Peoples and Communities.

Location. 33° 38.996′ N, 97° 2.36′ W. Marker is in Oak Ridge, Texas, in Cooke County. It can be reached from the intersection of U.S. 82 and Pauls Lane when traveling east. Located in the eastbound roadside rest area. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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 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 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Gainesville (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Gainesville State School (approx. 3½ miles away); Callisburg United Methodist Church (approx. 3.7 miles away); First Oil Well in Cooke County

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(approx. 3.8 miles away); Akers Cemetery (approx. 4.6 miles away); F.M. Dougherty (approx. 5.1 miles away); William Owen Davis (approx. 5.1 miles away); Fairview Cemetery (approx. 5.1 miles away).

The Cross Timbers Marker looking east towards US Highway 82. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, July 21, 2016

2. The Cross Timbers Marker looking east towards US Highway 82.

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 914 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 8, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.