On County Road 243, 0.1 miles south of County Road 292, on the right when traveling north.
Named for John Barron (1831-87), a Civil War veteran who came here from Virginia and bought a good farm in 1870. Married first to Delilah Ward (d. 1860s), then to Margaret McElroy, he had fifteen children. About 1875 he gave land for a church-school . . . — — Map (db m238735) HM
On Interstate 35 Frontage Road, 0.1 miles north of West California Street (Farm to Market Road 51), on the left when traveling north.
Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century brought two-toned horses with them, descendants of horses from North Africa and Asia Minor. Over time, these colorful horses became a cherished staple of the western frontier. Throughout the 1800s and early . . . — — Map (db m121779) HM
On East California Street (State Highway 51) at South Rusk Street, on the left when traveling west on East California Street.
The development of barbed wire fencing had a revolutionary impact on the economy and settlement pattern in Texas. In 1874, Joseph Glidden of Illinois received a patent for his barbed wire. By 1875, Henry B. Sanborn had come to North Texas as . . . — — Map (db m96753) HM
On Martin Luther King Junior Avenue at Mill Street, on the right when traveling west on Martin Luther King Junior Avenue.
In 1880, two years before the City of Gainesville created a public school system for all its children, Island Sparks, a young mulatto, taught the Black children of the city. In 1886, the city built a frame school building on this site for the . . . — — Map (db m238030) HM
On North Grand Avenue (Farm to Market Road 372) at Frontage U.S. 82 Frontage Road, on the right when traveling north on North Grand Avenue.
Gainesville was a station on the Southern Overland Mail Line (Butterfield Route), which provided semi-weekly mail and stage service between St. Louis and San Francisco, 1858-1861. The line was 2795 miles long – one of the longest stage . . . — — Map (db m96750) HM
On West California Street (Farm to Market Road 51) west of Frontage Interstate 35 Frontage Road, on the right when traveling west.
Front
Cooke County
C.S.A.
Military, defense center in Civil War. Cooke voted 231 to 137 anti-secession, yet nine military units served Confederacy from here. In constant danger of Federal or Indian attack. Col. Wm. . . . — — Map (db m121778) HM
On South Dixon Street at West Main Street, on the right when traveling south on South Dixon Street.
Settlement of the area now known as Cooke County began in late 1845. The county was created by the State Legislature in 1848 and named for William G. Cooke, Republic of Texas Quartermaster General and a participant in the Battle of San Jacinto. Land . . . — — Map (db m97598) HM
On South Denton Street at East Main Street, on the right when traveling south on South Denton Street.
In 1913, city librarian Lillian Gunter (1870-1926) and the XLI club (a local women's literary society) secured a grant from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation to construct a library building for Gainesville. Gunter then began her quest for state . . . — — Map (db m238043) HM
On West California Street, 0.1 miles west of U.S. 77.
In Memory of those who have given the
ultimate sacrifice defending the
United States of America.
WW I - WW II - Korea - Vietnam
[Honor Roll of Names]
Dedicated to the Men and Women of
Cooke County who have . . . — — Map (db m174443) WM
On South Denton Street at Davis Street, on the right when traveling south on South Denton Street.
William O. Davis (d. 1941), a veteran of the Civil War, came to Texas in 1870. Self-educated, he became a prominent local attorney and from 1876 to 1882 represented the area in the Texas Senate. An active civic leader, he later served as . . . — — Map (db m188224) HM
Alabama native Francis Marion Dougherty came to Texas in the 1840s, moving to Gainesville in 1858. Following service in the Civil War, where he saw action in the Red River Campaign of western Louisiana, he returned to Cooke County and worked as a . . . — — Map (db m188054) HM
Near Fair Avenue south of Elizabeth Street, on the left when traveling south.
Originally the Howeth family cemetery, this site traces its history to 1854, when a tornado struck the Howeth family cabin near Gainesville. First buried here were Thomas and Louisa Howeth, young children of William and Harriet Bell Howeth. William . . . — — Map (db m188045) HM
Formed in 1852, this congregation shared its first meeting place with two other denominations and the Masonic Lodge. A frame church building was erected in 1878 on this property, donated by James M. Lindsay. The present sanctuary, built by . . . — — Map (db m188119) HM
On South Culberson at West California Street (Texas Highway 51), on the left when traveling north on South Culberson.
Editor A. Morton Smith (1903-57) organized and promoted this show after a circus parody by the town's little theater group in 1930 revealed many talented amateurs. Chartered as a non-profit corporation, the community circus used its earnings to buy . . . — — Map (db m96754) HM
On West California Street at Red Barn Road on West California Street.
With support from the Kiwanis Club and the Parent-Teacher Association, Randolph Lee Clark (1871-1941) began promoting the idea of a junior college upon his arrival in 1923 as superintendent of Gainesville's public schools. In May 1924, the city . . . — — Map (db m238040) HM
On South Rusk Street at East Main Street on South Rusk Street.
In this block on October 21, 1882, prominent citizens and landowners J.M. Lindsay and C.C. Hemming founded Gainesville National Bank (GNB). Over the next decades, Gainesville evolved from a frontier town to a thriving community and a financial . . . — — Map (db m238041) HM
On West California Street, 0.1 miles west of U.S. 77.
Executive Mansion, Washington,
November 21st, 1864
Dear Madam,
I have been shown in the files of the War Department a statement of the Adjutant General of Massachusetts that you are the mother of five sons who have died gloriously . . . — — Map (db m174466) WM
On Depot Lane at East California Street (Texas Highway 51), on the right when traveling north on Depot Lane.
The U.S. Cavalry constructed roads to improve logistical routes in the west during the 19th century. Henry O. Flipper, the first African American graduate of West Point, was an officer in the Tenth Cavalry regiment “Buffalo Soldiers” at . . . — — Map (db m97593) HM
On West California Street at Red Barn Road on West California Street.
Hubert H. Moss was born in Woodbine in 1892. After attending North Texas State Normal College, he became a teacher before leaving Cooke County to serve in World War I. After the war, Moss taught high school and became a chemistry professor at newly . . . — — Map (db m238032) HM
Democrat Joseph Weldon Bailey served in the U.S. House of Representatives (1891-1901) and in the U.S. Senate (1901-1913). A colorful and controversial politician, he was known for his superb oratorical skills and his fiery temper. His career was . . . — — Map (db m188118) HM
On West California Street (Farm to Market Road 51) west of Frontage Interstate 35 Frontage Road, on the right when traveling west.
The owner of 90 acres in this vicinity, Missouri native Ned Moffett, Sr., (1842-1924) wed Mary Stone on April 19, 1866. The couple had nine children, and early census records listed the family as Mulatto. The Moffetts permitted use of this property . . . — — Map (db m121776) HM
In the early 20th century, the growing city of Gainesville needed a new high school but lacked funds. In 1920, W.H. and Ella Dougherty donated their mansion, which once belonged to U.S. Senator Joseph W. Bailey, and surrounding land to the city for . . . — — Map (db m188299) HM
Erected 1884. First floor was fire station, with ladder truck, hose wagons and horse stalls. Insignia for the three fire companies appear above doors. Second floor contained city offices. Jail or "Calaboose" was in rear. Architect was J. J. Kane. . . . — — Map (db m188221) HM
On East Church Street east of South Dixon Street, on the right when traveling east.
Capt. L.W. Lee (1831-1916),
a confederate veteran
moved here from Missouri,
1869, founded Valley View
(10 mi. S), 1873; became a
leading cattleman of area.
In 1894, as a wedding gift
for daughter Ella (Mrs. J.M. Potter), built this . . . — — Map (db m238036) HM
Near West California Street at Bonner Road, on the left.
A native of Fort Worth, Randolph Lee Clark worked as a cowboy on the XIT Ranch as a young man. After graduating from Add-Ran Christian University, he worked for state educational offices in Austin. He served as school superintendent in Wichita Falls . . . — — Map (db m238038) HM
On East California Street at Jefferson Street, on the right when traveling west on East California Street.
Founded May 10, 1877. Bishop A.C. Garrett laid cornerstone May 12, 1884, on land given by Judge J.M. Lindsay, civic leader. English Gothic architecture. Built of brick made locally. Foundation of huge limestone slabs, hauled to site by oxcart. First . . . — — Map (db m238039) HM
On County Route 222 near Farm to Market Road 3164, on the left when traveling east.
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 . . . — — Map (db m237999) HM
On Depot Lane at East Elm Street, on the right when traveling north on Depot Lane.
By the end of the 19th Century Gainesville was established as one of the state's major rail centers. This depot was built about 1902 to handle the increased traffic on the Gulf, Colorado, and Santa Fe Railroad. The red brick structure contained a . . . — — Map (db m97595) HM
On Farm to Market Road 1202, 0.2 miles east of Frontage Interstate 35 Frontage Road, on the right when traveling west.
In operation from 1942 to 1946, Camp Howze served as an infantry training facility during World War II. It was named for General Robert Lee Howze (1864-1926), a native Texan whose distinguished career in the United States Army began with his . . . — — Map (db m96908) HM
On East Main Street at South Schopmeyer Street, on the left when traveling east on East Main Street.
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, . . . — — Map (db m97585) HM
Mrs. Giles (Frances Dougherty) Houston, one of the heirs to a Cooke County fortune, built this magnificent example of frontier Victorian architecture in 1898. J. G. Garrett (1858-1919), a local man credited with the plans for many fine Gainesville . . . — — Map (db m188223) HM
William Thomas Green Weaver came to Texas from Illinois in 1840 with his father and three siblings. As a young adult, he taught school for a time, studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1856. He came to this city to practice law and in 1860 was . . . — — Map (db m188304) HM
Near Fair Avenue south of Elizabeth Street, on the left when traveling south.
Georgia native W. O. Davis served in the Confederate Army and was admitted to the Georgia Bar in 1870. He moved to Texas, settling in Gainesville, and was soon involved in local politics and civic life. In a long public service career, Davis served . . . — — Map (db m188047) HM
On West California Street (Farm to Market Road 51) 0.2 miles west of Interstate 35, on the right when traveling west. Reported damaged.
Created March 20, 1848. Organized March 10, 1849.
Named in honor of
William G. Cooke
1808-1847
Captain of the "New Orleans Greys," 1835
Assistant Inspector General
at San Jacinto, 1836
Member of the Santa Fe Expedition, 1841 . . . — — Map (db m121775) HM
On West Division Street (U.S. 82) at Maple Street, on the left when traveling west on West Division Street.
In 1889 brothers Anton, August, and Emil Flusche contracted to sell 22,000 acres of this land along the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad. Jot Gunter gave 25 acres for a school, church, cemetery, and park. The first Mass, celebrated Dec. 8, 1889, . . . — — Map (db m238035) HM
Near U.S. 82 east of Parkside Circle when traveling west.
Founded 1850. Named for Gen. Edmund P. Gaines, who in 1836 aided Republic of Texas. Military supply headquarters during Civil War. Important in defense against Indian attacks and invasion. Center for agriculture, industry, oil. Home of famed . . . — — Map (db m97591) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m97590) HM
On Interstate 35 at milepost 490,, 2.8 miles north of East Obuch Street (Farm to Market Road 922), on the right when traveling north.
On Jan. 5-6, 1868, Chief Big Tree and 150 to 200 Kiowas raided Willa Walla Valley, Clear Creek and Blocker Creek. Burned homes; killed 13 people; scalped one woman alive. Captured 10 women and children; 3 escaped, 2 were ransomed. Raiders reached . . . — — Map (db m121774) HM
On Mount Springs Lane, 0.1 miles west of Farm to Market Road 372, on the right when traveling south.
Organized in 1847 in a pioneer woman's home, Mountain Springs School was Cooke County's first school. In 1853, it was moved to a log schoolhouse near this site. In 1884, when it became part of the public school system, this land was deeded for a . . . — — Map (db m238033) HM
