Historical Marker
The Cross Timbers
Historical marker location:
Gainesville, Texas
( From Gainesville take US 82 about 5 miles to roadside park on the south side of highway.)
Marker installed: 1970
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).