GAINESVILLE

Population 14,587

Altitude 738

General

Originally a point on the California Trail, the town was established in 1850 (near Fort Fitzhugh, an outpost that dated form about 1845), but town's frontier location made it too convenient to hostile Indians who periodically raided until 1868. Stabilized conditions allowed growth around cattle and cotton. Seat of Cooke County and gateway to Texas on two major cross-country highways. Home of Cooke County Junior College. Recreational facilities include a large municipal park, swimming pools, golf course, and nearby lakes.

FRANK BUCK ZOO

HISTORIC HOMES

MORTON MUSEUM OF COOKE COUNTY

TRAVEL INFORMATION CENTER

Attractions

• FRANK BUCK ZOO - Named in honor of the adventurer of "bring 'em back alive" fame and Gainesville native, Frank Buck. Monkeys, zebras, flamingos, bears and elephant provide hours of enjoyment for the whole family. Shaded picnic tables. In Leonard Park, just off I-35 , California Street exit.

• HISTORIC HOMES - The city is noted for brick paved streets and 19th Century brick Victorian homes. Of some 26 historic homes, most are on Church, Denton, and Lindsay Streets. Also of interest are firehouse built in 1884; Episcopal Church, 1884; First Methodist Church, 1892; Catholic Church in Lindsay, four miles west on U.S. 82. Other sites will be identified by the Chamber of Commerce, Culberson at California Street.

• MORTON MUSEUM OF COOKE COUNTY - Exhibits cover all facets of pioneer life, Indians, and geology, ;plus temporary displays from other museums and collections. Located in restored old firehouse. 210 South Dixson.

• TRAVEL INFORMATION CENTER - One of the centers provided by the state at key highway entrances to Texas, in the State Capitol, and at the Judge Roy Bean Visitor Center in Langtry. Centers operated daily except for major holidays. Approximately 5 miles north of Gainesville on I-35 (U.S. 77); operated by the Texas Department of Transportation.

Child and Day Care Providers

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This file was last modified Thursday, 12-Oct-95 01:37:10