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Gainesville, TX

Frequently asked questions

Gainesville, TX

Gainesville is a city in and the county seat of Cooke County, Texas, United States. Its population was 16,002 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Texoma region and is an important Agri-business center. 

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 0.04 square miles (0.1 km2), or 0.15%, is covered by water.

The town is located at the interchange of two major thoroughfares: U.S. Route 82 running east-west, passing over Interstate 35 (north-south). It is an exurb of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, 71 miles (114 km) north of the center of Dallas and 65 miles (105 km) north of the center of Fort Worth. It is also a part of the Texoma region.

Founded in 1850, the city of Gainesville was established on a 40-acre (16 ha) tract of land donated by Mary E. Clark. City residents called their new community "Liberty", which proved short-lived, as Liberty, Texas, already existed. One of the original settlers of Cooke County, Colonel William Fitzhugh, suggested that the town be named after General Edmund Pendleton Gaines. Gaines, a United States general under whom Fitzhugh had served, had been sympathetic to the Texas Revolution.

The first hint of prosperity arrived with the Butterfield Overland Mail stagecoach in September 1858, bringing freight, passengers, and mail. In 1860, Cooke County voted against secession. In 1862, during the Civil War, the Great Hanging at Gainesville, a controversial trial and lynching 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 (11 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.

Gainesville focuses on health and wellness. The North Texas Medical Center, a prominent healthcare institution, plays a crucial role in the region, offering comprehensive medical services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by the Gainesville Parks and Recreation Department. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Bosco's Gym, Jazzercise, and Anytime Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Gainesville, such as the Jaycee Park and the Medal of Honor Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Gainesville, TX are Morton Museum of Cooke County, Frank Buck Zoo, and Vantage Point Art Gallery.

Population: 18,107 (2023). ZIP codes: 76240-76241. Area code: 940. Elevation: 876 ft (267 m). Area: 19.33 sq mi (50.07 km2).

FAQs

What is Gainesville, TX known for?

An important gateway into the great grassland empire of Texas, Gainesville became an important hub of commerce and one of the most significant cattle towns in the state. When the last of the major Indian raids occurred in 1868, the county population began to increase with the arrival of the "Katy" railroad in 1879. Cattle money also financed the construction of the new county courthouse in 1878 and provided much of the tax revenue to support local schools and the building of public roads.

Is Gainesville, TX a good place to live?

Gainesville is in Cooke County. Living in Gainesville offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents rent their homes. Many families live in Gainesville and residents tend to lean conservative.

What is the poverty rate in Gainesville, TX?

In 2022, the median household income of Gainesville households was $49,170. Gainesville households made slightly more than Marshall households ($49,162) and Callisburg households ($49,167). However, 18.7% of Gainesville families live in poverty.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Gainesville

North Texas Medical Center

Gainesville Parks and Recreation Department

Bosco's Gym

Jazzercise 

Anytime Fitness

Jaycee Park 

Medal of Honor Park

Morton Museum of Cooke County

Frank Buck Zoo

Vantage Point Art Gallery

History

Niche

Texas Demographics

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