Gainesville is a city in and the county seat of Cooke County, Texas, United States. The population was 16,002 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Texoma region.
<span id="History">History
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Founded in 1850, the city of Gainesville was established on a 40-acre (16Â ha) tract of land donated by Mary E. Clark. City residents called their new community "Liberty", which proved short-lived, as a Liberty, Texas, already existed. It was suggested by one of the original settlers of Cooke County, Colonel William Fitzhugh, that the town be named after General Edmund Pendleton Gaines. Gaines, a United States general under whom Fitzhugh had served, had been sympathetic with the Texas Revolution.
The first hint of prosperity arrived with the Butterfield Overland Mail stagecoach in September 1858, bringing freight, passengers, and mail. During the Civil War, the Great Hanging at Gainesville, a controversial trial and hanging of 40 suspected Union loyalists, brought the new town to the attention of the state and came close to ripping the county apart. In the decade after the Civil War, Gainesville had its first period of extended growth, catalyzed by the expansion of the cattle industry in Texas. Gainesville, only 7 miles (11Â km) from the Oklahoma border, became a supply point for cowboys driving herds north to Kansas. The merchants of Gainesville reaped considerable benefits from the passing cattle drives.
Within 20 years, the population increased from a few hundred to more than 2,000. Gainesville was incorporated on February 17, 1873, and by 1890 was established as a commercial and shipping point for area ranchers and farmers. In the late 1870s two factors drastically altered the historic landscape of North Central Texas. The first of these was barbed wire. In 1875, Henry B. Sanborn, a regional sales agent for Joseph Glidden's Bar Fence Company of DeKalb, Illinois, traveled to Texas. That autumn, he chose Gainesville as one of his initial distribution points for the newly invented barbed wire which his employer had patented the previous year. On his first visit to Gainesville, he sold ten reels of the wire to the Cleaves and Fletcher hardware storeâ€"the first spools of barbed wire ever sold in Texas.
World War II had an enormous impact on Cooke County. Camp Howze, an army infantry training camp, was established on some of the best farmland in the county. The construction of the camp helped bring Cooke County out of the Great Depression by providing jobs. The county population doubled and the area boomed.
In the last several years, tourism has brought renewed prosperity to the area. The return of Amtrak on June 14, 1999, brought Gainesville back full circle to one of the original sources of its growth and success. In the early 1990s, Gainesville had 600 businesses and a population of 14,587. In 2000, the population was 15,538, with the population after the 2010 Census being just over 16,000 people.
Courthouse
Gainesville is home to a courthouse with an octagonal rotunda topped by stained glass, erected in 1910. "The 1912 Cooke County Courthouse was designed by the Dallas firm of Lang & Witchell. The courthouse was designed in the Beaux Arts style with some Prairie Style features and influences from famed Chicago architect Louis Sullivan. The courthouse in the center of Gainesville features black and white marbled interiors and a tall central atrium capped by a stained glass skylight under the tower." The courthouse is undergoing a major renovation project, resulting in the move of many county offices to surrounding buildings.
Camp Howze, World War II
Gainesville was once home to Camp Howze, one of the largest infantry replacement training centers during World War II. Only a few remnants of the camp continue to exist, but are now located on private property.
Railroad
Railroad service across Texas changed the nature and reach of commerce when they built through and to areas. When the first railroad arrived in Gainesville it improved the city's economics. For the first time reliable timely transportation meant goods and people could go vast distances. Gainesville was connected to the outside world in a whole new way with the coming of the railroads. For example, when the GC&SF arrived in 1887, goods could directly travel to or from Gainesville, directly to Chicago and Galveston, on the same railroad. Both were and are major transportation hubs during that age, and still are today.
Original companies and dates of arrival in Gainesville:
- The Denison and Pacific Railway (1879) (now a part of UP via the MKT) - Route: Denison, TX to Gainesville via Whitesboro, TX
- Gainesville, Henrietta and Western Railway (1886) (now a part of UP via the MKT) - Route: Gainesville to Wichita Falls, TX
- Gulf Colorado & Santa Fe Railway (1887) (now a part of BNSF) - Route: Fort Worth to OKC
This turned into the following major railroads:
- Missouriâ€"Kansasâ€"Texas Railroad (MKT), now the Union Pacific, but the lines owned in Gainesville were abandoned long before the UP bought the MKT in 1988. The MKT through town was abandoned around 1969 after having providing service for 90 years.
- Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway (ATSF), now the BNSF Railway
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 15,538 people, 5,969 households, and 4,005 families residing in the city. The population density was 914.1 people per square mile (352.9/km²). There were 6,423 housing units at an average density of 377.9 per square mile (145.9/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 80.77% White, 6.00% African American, 1.33% Native American, 0.55% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 9.09% from other races, and 2.23% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 17.47% of the population.
There were 5,969 households out of which 33.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.2% were married couples living together, 13.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.9% were non-families. 29.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 3.13.
In the city, the population was spread out with 27.2% under the age of 18, 10.9% from 18 to 24, 25.8% from 25 to 44, 19.3% from 45 to 64, and 16.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 88.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.3 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $30,571, and the median income for a family was $37,137. Males had a median income of $30,480 versus $21,459 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,154. About 17.0% of families and 20.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.5% of those under age 18 and 12.7% of those age 65 or over.
Education
Gainesville ISD
The city is served by the Gainesville Independent School District, which consists of the following campuses:
- Gainesville Head Start (toddlers/pre-school)
- Thomas A. Edison Elementary (kindergarten & grade 1)
- W E. Chalmers Elementary (grades 2, 3 & 4)
- Robert E. Lee Intermediate (grades 5 & 6)
- Gainesville Middle School (grades 7 & 8)
- Gainesville High School (grades 9, 10, 11, & 12)
The high school boasts various athletic and academic championships. The GHS varsity basketball team won the 3A-Division I State Championship in 2002, and the varsity football team won the 3A-Division I State Championship in 2003. A notable member of the 2003 championship football team was Darcel McBath, who was recruited by and played for the Texas Tech University Red Raiders and drafted in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. Another player that went on to play for the NFL is Kevin Mathis, who played first for the Dallas Cowboys, then for the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints. The high school has also been historically competitive in UIL (University Interscholastic League) academic competition, boasting numerous district, regional, and state championships in many categories.
Gainesville High School boasts a 15.3 student to teacher ratio.
Higher education
North Central Texas College, a five-campus community college system, is headquartered in Gainesville, with the main campus being located on the west side of town. The college serves the North Texas area, with locations in Gainesville, Bowie, Corinth, Graham, and Flower Mound. Satellite locations exist at Northwest High School, Little Elm High School, and Graham Education & Workforce Center. NCTC began as Gainesville Junior College in 1924, and because of this it has the distinction of being the oldest continuously operated community college in the state of Texas. NCTC has come to be known for their ever-growing health science program. They offer help such as writing and math labs, tutoring centers for people to get more out of their education. Degrees of study include Certified Nursing Assistant, Associate degree Nursing (LVN), Registered Nurse, Emergency Medical Technician, and Radiology Technician programs.
NCTC Lion/Lady Lion Athletics, which consists of baseball, softball, volleyball, and women's tennis, competes as part of the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association). The NCTC Lion baseball team won the 2001 NJCAA National Championship.
Economy
Gainesville is the headquarters of Zodiac Seats U.S. Established as Weber Aircraft, LLC in 1968, it became a division of Groupe Zodiac Aerospace based in Plaisir, France. ZSUS is now the largest manufacturer of airline seats in the world as well as the holder of several notable patents for products created by its employees. With almost 2,000 employees (as of 2016), ZSUS is the largest single employer located within Gainesville/Cooke County.
Though gambling is not legal in Texas, Gainesville is commonly associated with the pastime due to its close proximity to WinStar World Casino. The casino, located less than 10 miles (16Â km) north of Gainesville across the Red River in Thackerville, Oklahoma, has experienced exponential growth over the last decade and is now considered the largest casino in the world by total area. At over a mile long from end to end, the casino contains two hotel towers, a Global Events Center used for concerts and other events, and an 18-hole golf course. Until the construction of the Winstar World Casino Resort and Hotel, casino visitors typically stayed in Gainesville-area hotels. The casino has played host to numerous events over the years, and because of the soon to be constructed convention center, is expected to be the site for a Built Ford Tough Series competition of Professional Bull Riders (PBR). The convention center and/or the Winstar Global Events Center will also host World Series of Poker tournaments in the coming years.
Gainesville is home to a large outlet mall (the Gainesville Factory Shops) which used to attract visitors from north Texas as well as southern Oklahoma. Constructed in the mid 1990s as a "destination" shopping mall, it has since become a distressed mall, with very few stores remaining.
Geography
Gainesville is located slightly east of the center of Cooke County at 33°37′49″N 97°8′25″W (33.630360, -97.140323). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 19.0 square miles (49.3 km2), of which 19.0 square miles (49.2 km2) is land and 0.04 square miles (0.1 km2), or 0.15%, is water.
The town is located at the interchange of two major thoroughfares: U.S. Route 82 going east/west overpassing Interstate 35 (north/south). It is an exurb of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, 71 miles (114Â km) north of the center of Dallas and 65 miles (105Â km) north of the center of Fort Worth. It is also a part of the Texoma region. Nearby towns and cities include:
- North: Thackerville, Oklahoma
- South: Valley View
- East: Whitesboro
- West: Lindsay
Weather and climate
Gainesville usually enjoys sunny weather similar to the rest of Texas, with the exception of a few natural disasters.
On June 18, 2007, thunderstorms moved through Gainesville, resulting in intense flooding. Over 7 inches (180Â mm) fell in Gainesville and nearby Sherman. On June 20, around 5:00Â a.m., straight lines winds hit and Wichita Falls had winds up to 94Â mph (151Â km/h). Much of the center of the town was flooded and several people died.
Government and infrastructure
The Texas Youth Commission operates the Gainesville State School in an unincorporated area east of Gainesville.
Public library
The public library for Cooke County, Cooke County Library, was first established in 1903; the library is in Gainesville.
Parks, recreation, and tourism
Gainesville has a zoo, a historic train station, and a 45-acre (180,000 m2) fully integrated soccer complex. It has miniature ¼-size replica steam engine passenger train which was disassembled from its former location and then reassembled in Leonard Park for viable transportation for up to 50 passengers for tours around the Park. Leonard Parks' wooden playground was expanded in 1999 and is located near the entrance to the Frank Buck Zoo. Gainesville hosts year-round adult softball for both men's league and coed league, a couple of seasons of sand volleyball, and a season of indoor basketball.
City parks include:
- BP Douglas Park
- Edison Park
- Forsythe Transportation Skate Park
- Gainesville Tennis Court Area
- Georgia Davis Park
- Heritage Park North
- Heritage Park South
- Home Grown Hero Walking Trail
- Jaycee Park
- Keneteso Park
- Leonard Park
- Medal of Honor Park
- Moffett Park
- Pecan Creek Park
- Washington Park
Annual events
- Every April, Gainesville hosts recipients of the Medal of Honor with a formal banquet and citywide parade. The Medal of Honor Host City Program pays for travel, lodging and other expenses for any Medal of Honor recipient interested in attending. The recipients make appearances at schools and public events to talk about their service to their country.
- Depot Day: In October, Gainesville hosts a train-themed carnival.
Health system
Gainesville is served by a tax-funded public hospital district which operates North Texas Medical Center, formerly known as Gainesville Memorial Hospital.
Media
Newspapers
- Gainesville Daily Register
- Weekly News of Cooke County
Radio
- KGAF - 1580 AM www.1580kgaf.com
- KPFC - 91.9 FM (Camp Sweeney)
Television
- Gainesville gets over the air reception from Sherman-Ada which also includes OETA translator out of Ardmore, Oklahoma. Amplified outdoor antennas can receive stations from Dallas.
Transportation
Rail
Gainesville has a historic rail depot. It is served by Amtrak's Heartland Flyer, which operates daily in both directions between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth.
Airport
Gainesville is served by the Gainesville Municipal Airport, a publicly owned and supported airport that was established following the transfer of the Camp Howze Army Airfield to the City of Gainesville. This followed the closing of Camp Howze in the mid- to late 1940s. A general-use airport, it also serves as the site of an annual balloon festival put on by the North Texas Medical Center Foundation.
Roads and highways
Major highways are:
- U.S. Route 82
- Interstate 35
Parts of Interstate 35 through Gainesville do not contain any frontage roads. Frontage roads approaching the U.S. 82 overpass were not added until 2012. During this time, the overpass was expanded to make room for U-turn lanes.
Notable people
- Lew Allen, U.S. Air Force four-star general; former Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force; former Director of the National Security Agency
- Gene Austin (born 1900), singer/songwriter; born in Gainesville
- Rod Brown, football player; Oklahoma State University; Kodak All American; Walter Camp All American Team; UPI/AP All American Team: NFL Denver Broncos; CFL Ottawa Roughriders
- Alex Cord, actor and horse rancher in Cooke County
- Robert Fuller, actor and horse rancher in Cooke County
- Glen Monroe Henry, circus performer
- Kevin Mathis, former NFL cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys and other teams
- Darcel McBath, NFL safety, formerly of the Denver Broncos
- Charley Paddock, Olympic sprinter; won gold in 1920
- Jim Rayburn, founder of non-denominational Christian youth organization Young Life
- Konny Reimann (de) and his family, German emigrants, now residing in Gainesville; became popular on several German TV shows about emigration
- Aurelian Smith, Jr., aka Jake "The Snake" Roberts, professional wrestler
- Russel Stegall (born 1938), aka Red Steagall, singer/songwriter; born in Gainesville
References
External links
- City of Gainesville official website
- Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce
- North Central Texas College: Gainesville Campus
- Gainesville Independent School District
- Gainesville Daily Register, newspaper