Historical markers

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 transportation routes ever established. 1964

Texas Historical Commission, marker 590

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 Howeth deeded the ten-acre cemetery to Cooke county in 1868. In 1878 the Cooke County commissioners turned over the site to the city of Gainesville in a 999-year lease. A city ordinance reserved a section for freedmen. The cemetery's name was changed in 1897 to East Hill, and in 1904 the name was changed again to Fairview. A separate Jewish Cemetery adjoined this site from 1881 until 1964 when the two graveyards were combined. Among the estimated 18,000 graves are those of Civil War veterans; Preston Conlee, a San Jacinto Battle veteran and Bastrop County sheriff who lies in an unmarked grave; 34 victims of the 1918 influenza epidemic; Bob Scott, ex-slave and centenarian; and former U.S. Senator Joseph Weldon Bailey. A chapel and Sexton's office, designed by Dallas architect Will Scott Richter, was constructed in 1938 at a cost of $6,296. The arched gate dates to 1964. This Victorian-era cemetery continues to serve the city. (1997)

Texas Historical Commission, marker 6253

(April 1, 1846 - March 25, 1895) Tennessee native George Henry Ragsdale came to Cooke County in 1867. He was elected to three terms as county surveyor. By observations and a self-taught education, he became an expert naturalist, chiefly in ornithology, small mammals, fossils and geology. Ragsdale acquired hundreds of specimens and bird eggs, donating and selling many to the Smithsonian Institution. He published dozens of articles, contributed to major studies and was cited in other works. Ragsdale had a column in the Gainesville Hesperian with advice on fauna, flora, geology and weather. His legacy is also seen in a fossil oyster (ostrea franklini ragsdalei) and snail (rabdotus dealbatus ragsdalei) named by his contemporaries.

Texas Historical Commission, marker 17486

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 council authorized the creation of a college as part of the school system. The two-year institution opened the following September in the Newsome Dougherty Memorial High School Building. Initial enrollment at Gainesville Junior College was 32, with ten students in the first graduating class of 1926. World War II stimulated the development of an aeronautics program, and returning veterans took advantage of the college's first night classes. The curriculum initially consisted of academic courses that would transfer to four-year universities. Eventually, vocational and agricultural training programs, a division of continuing education, and cultural enrichment courses were added to expand the college's offerings. In 1960, Cooke County voters approved the separation of the college from the independent school district. In the ensuing decade, enrollment surpassed 1,000, and the campus of Cooke County Junior College (as it then was known) grew from one to eight buildings. Known as North Central Texas College since 1994 to reflect the school's presence beyond the boundaries of Cooke County, this institution is significant as the oldest, continuously operating, public two-year college in Texas. In 2000, it opened new campuses in the cities of Corinth and Bowie. (2001)

Texas Historical Commission, marker 12573

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 formed Gainesville Junior College, where he was a trusted student advisor. From 1946 until his death in 1952, he served as Cooke County school superintendent. As president of the Gainesville Chamber of Commerce in 1951, he crusaded for the creation of a lake to secure Gainesville's future water needs. The city finished construction of Hubert H. Moss Lake in 1966 on the Fish Creek site he suggested. Moss was an outstanding educator whose vision continues to benefit his community. (2006)

Texas Historical Commission, marker 13584

J.D. “Ikard” Sugg (1854-1925) Joseph D. Sugg was born in Mississippi, the youngest of 13 children. After his mother’s death, he headed west, working on a cattle drive heading north from the Red River in 1868. Later a rancher in partnership with brother Cal, he leased lands in Indian Territory (Oklahoma) and Texas, and sold horses to the government of Mexico. He maintained close ties to Cooke County, where he got his start in ranching, and considered it home. Upon his death in Chickasha, Oklahoma, he left money to the Cooke County Poor Farm and to the maintenance of this cemetery. Recorded - 2006

Texas Historical Commission, marker 13540

(Dec. 31, 1835 - May 3, 1919) J. M. Lindsay graduated from Cumberland Law School in his native Tennessee in 1857 and arrived in Gainesville on his 22nd birthday. His political and legal career included the following offices: state legislator, member of Gainesville's first city council, delegate to the 1866 State Constitutional Convention, and judge of the 16th Judicial District. One of Gainesville's largest landowners in his day, Judge Lindsay helped bring the railroad to town, donated land for churches and schools, and developed numerous businesses, resulting in his legacy as a significant civic leader. Recorded - 2001

Texas Historical Commission, marker 12479

(October 6, 1863-April 13, 1929) 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 damaged by his involvement in the notorious Waters-Pierce Company anti-trust case, but in the 1920 Democratic Gubernatorial Primary runoff election he placed second to Pat Neff. He moved his law practice to Dallas in 1921. Recorded - 1994.

Texas Historical Commission, marker 2868

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 this purpose. The couple stipulated the school be named for their son, Isaac Newsome Dougherty, who died at age 26 in the worldwide influenza epidemic that began in 1918. Facilities opened in 1922 and served students until 1959. In 1924, the campus began housing Gainesville Junior College, later North Central Texas College. The Doughertys' donation thus proved vital to the city's transition to a modern education system. (2006)

Texas Historical Commission, marker 13564

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 from 1915 to 1923, when he moved to Gainesville to accept a similar position. With the help of the Kiwanis Club, he convinced the city to open Gainesville Junior College in 1924. Active in state and national educational organizations, Clark was considered a pioneer in the Texas Junior College movement. Texas Sesquicentennial 1836-1986.

Texas Historical Commission, marker 4193

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 on the school board, as a city Alderman, and was a state Senator from 1882 to 1885. He later was Mayor of Gainesville at age 81. A prominent Cooke county attorney, Davis argued two cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. Recorded 1997

Texas Historical Commission, marker 5843

Born in Massachusetts. Moved to Texas 1836. Accepted post of Surveyor, Fannin Land District, helping settlers locate claims and fight Indians. Joined Snively Expedition to capture Mexican traders trespassing in Republic of Texas, 1843. Captain of Company in Mexican War, 1846. When Cooke County was created, 1848, Montague was named County Surveyor. Like most surveyors, took land as pay for duty that called for constant risk of life. Rifles to stand off Indians were in field kits. Like Surveyor-Senator John H. Reagan, Montague was honored in having a county named for him. (1968)

Texas Historical Commission, marker 1723

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, marked the official beginning of this German Catholic town. Despite drought, typhoid fever, and tornadoes destroying the first two church buildings, the area grew and farming and dairy business increased. Farmers established an insurance company and a marketing group for buying products in bulk. An oil boom in 1926 added to the prosperity. (1979)

Texas Historical Commission, marker 3525

Organized 1892. Present church was erected in 1918 to replace structure destroyed by cyclone. Lindsay settlers, Germans whose lives centered in the church, furnished much manual labor for the building and saved old windmill towers to be used as reinforcements in concrete. The interior is lavishly decorated with unusual frescoes, stained-glass windows, and carved altars. Swiss artist was Fridolin Fuchs. Architecture is neo-Romanesque. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark--1970.

Texas Historical Commission, marker 5077

Van Slyke Cemetery Established 1883 Historic Texas Cemetery - 2005

Texas Historical Commission, marker 13783

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 Elm Creek at Gainesville before blizzard forced withdrawal. More damage and deaths would have resulted if George Masoner had not become the "Paul Revere" of valleys and warned settlers of impending danger. Indian raids such as this one were in retaliation for loss of hunting grounds to settlers. (1968)

Texas Historical Commission, marker 2958

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 larger frame structure, called "The Big School." By 1900, the academic year was lengthened to 6 months, beginning after harvest and ending before spring planting. This building, the fourth Mountain Springs School, was erected in 1920. In 1948, low enrollment led to consolidation with Valley View. The old school is now a community center. (1976)

Texas Historical Commission, marker 3504

Located in a fertile farming region, Era was settled in the 1870s. Merchant J. N. Gist (1827-1893) platted the townsite. The post office was opened in 1881 and named for Era Hargroves (1875-1880), daughter of an early resident; the village soon had a blacksmith shop, cotton gin, hotel, several stores, and three churches. Era Institute was chartered in 1897 with primary through college level classes. Among the town's prominent citizens was Robert E. Thomason (1879-1973), U.S. Congressman and Federal Judge. Era won first place in the Texas Community Improvement Program in 1973. (1978)

Texas Historical Commission, marker 5439

Erected in 1894, this structure was the home and office of Dr. Benjamin Richard Thomason (d. 1909), one of Era's first physicians. Dr. Thomason's son Robert Ewing (1879-1973) hauled lumber from Gainesville for the construction. Later he had a long public career, serving as a U.S. Congressman and Federal District Judge. The frame house has Victorian porch detailing and elegant interior woodwork. In 1948 the residence was acquired by the L. A. Scott Family. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1978.

Texas Historical Commission, marker 5475

In 1870, Captain L.W. Lee and his wife Mary Ann (Fryer) came from Missouri to a tall grass prairie overlooking a valley. Several friends from Missouri soon arrived, and by 1872 the settlers founded the town of Valley View, platting streets and securing a post office. A mill, gin and school were all quickly established. The Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway arrived in 1886, and by 1890 the community also boasted a hotel, four churches and a newspaper. Valley View schools incorporated in 1902, and by the following year there was a brick schoolhouse, a bank and telephone service. Native son J. Marvin Jones (1882-1976) served 59 years as U.S. congressman and federal judge. The city of Valley View incorporated in 1979. (2007)

Texas Historical Commission, marker 13978

Located on the Bud W Davis Farm (1 mile E), Cooke County's first producing oil well came in on Nov 9, 1924, heralding the beginning of a multi-million dollar industry and a new life style for the surrounding farm community. Carnival atmosphere prevailed while sightseers and reporters flocked to the lease. One enterprising man charged admission until questioned by a worker. The discovery well, drilled by C.A. Doudrick's Big Indian Oil Company continued to produce until 1970 when it was plugged.

Texas Historical Commission, marker 1805

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 Gainesville Community Circus. (1964)

Texas Historical Commission, marker 2097

In 1875 Mollie Nelson, the 14-year-old daughter of Robert Carroll and Mary Elizabeth Nelson, died of pneumonia and measles and was buried on her parents' property. Two years later, R C. Nelson and J. C. Stockton deeded land including Mollie's grave site to the Cooke County judge for use as a "school, church and burying ground." The Nelson Grove School provided an education for neighboring families until 1924, and funeral services often were held in the schoolhouse. A cemetery association founded in 1964 cares for the graveyard and has held an annual Memorial Day meeting since 1970. At the turn of the 21st century, there were more than 800 burials in the cemetery. (2000) Historic Texas Cemetery - 2008

Texas Historical Commission, marker 12372

In the 1860s, George Sanford Norrid left his Missouri home with his wife, Tabitha, and family and moved to Texas, settling in this area and offering their home for church services. In 1875, F.M. Dougherty and George Norrid deeded land for a Methodist Epsicopal church; Norrid's donation preserved land for a cemetery. When Tabitha Norrid died in January 1876, she was the first buried in what became the Oak Grove Cemetery. Area families used the church building for school and worship until 1884, when they moved the building, and with it the school and church, to nearby Woodbine. The Methodist church later deeded its land to the cemetery association, which maintains the burial ground. (2005)

Texas Historical Commission, marker 13811

(One mile 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 graduation from West Point and included service in France, Puerto Rico, Germany, a South Dakota Indian War and the Philippine Insurrection, 1899-1902. Clifford McMahon of the Gainesville Chamber of Commerce first contacted federal authorities with the idea of establishing a military installation here. Attracted by the community's active endorsement of the plan, the government activated Camp Howze on August 17, 1942, under the command of Colonel John P. Wheeler. In addition to infantry training, the base was also the site of a German prisoner of war camp and an air support command base, now part of the Gainesville Municipal Airport. Services provided for the soldiers included camp exchanges, libraries, chapels, theaters, service clubs and a base newspaper, the "Camp Howze Howitzer." The economic and social impact of Camp Howze on Gainesville was significant and was instrumental in the town's rapid growth and development. (1982)

Texas Historical Commission, marker 4743

This congregation formed in 1868 as Sivells Bend Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Brothers William W. and Addison Y. Gunter conveyed two acres to church trustees E. L. Allen, WM. Midkiff and George Dillard in 1880. A large two-story church, school and masonic lodge burned in 1893. W. W. Gunter deeded the current site in 1910. The present frame church has had continuous services since its 1912 construction. During WWII, families taught Sunday school even without a supplied pastor. Later, Sivells Bend shared pastors with other Methodist churches, but has had its own pastors since 1950. Community involvement and regular worship shows a continuing focus on the true spirit of God.

Texas Historical Commission, marker 17487

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. (1970)

Texas Historical Commission, marker 5316

Robert Carroll Nelson (1835-1914) constructed this log house for his family soon after arriving in the area in 1861. Using readily available resources, Nelson built the house of post oak logs, with a chimney and foundation of hewn ironstone. A Cooke County commissioner and justice of the peace, Nelson and his wife, Elizabeth, reared their six children here. Noteworthy for its retention of original materials and exposed log construction, the Nelson log cabin exhibits fine pioneer craftsmanship and has remained in the Nelson family for most of its existence. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2000

Texas Historical Commission, marker 12484

The earliest burial on this site is that of infant Mary C. Underwood, who died in 1875. Another infant, identified only as "Newton's child," was interred on what became known as "Stranger's Row" in 1882. The following year, John P. and Sarah Jane (Ball) Barnhart donated this land to the newly formed Spring Creek Cemetery Association. Among the pioneers and their descendants interred here is Maleta Stapp Kleiser (1816-1902), whose father served in the Revolutionary War. Travis Anderson (1891-1918) died while in training during World War I, and Roy Speake, Jr. (1918-1944) died in the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II. The Spring Creek Cemetery Foundation was organized in 1972 to maintain the historic graveyard. Spring Creek Cemetery is a chronicle of Cooke County. (2000)

Texas Historical Commission, marker 11709

Built 1867 by J. R. Washington, with lumber hauled by oxen from Jefferson, Texas. Architecture is Queen Anne period; gingerbread trim. Excellent water facilities made ranch a collection center for cattle prior to trail drives. As home of a cattle industry leader, attracted distinguished visitors, including ranchers Chas. Goodnight and J. C. Loving, and statesman Sam Rayburn. Property in one family five generations. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1967

Texas Historical Commission, marker 5722