Historic cemeteries in
Cooke, Texas

Able Cemetery Akers Cemetery Barlow Cemetery Barron Cemetery Bear Head Cemetery Bewley Cemetery Black Cemetery Bloomfield Cemetery Brushy Mound Cemetery Callisburg Cemetery Center Hill Cemetery Clark Cemetery Cogburn Cemetery Coker Cemetery County Line Cemetery Dervin Cemetery Era Cemetery Estes Cemetery Fairview Cemetery Gunter Cemetery Hayes Cemetery Hebrew Congregation Emanuel Of Gainesville Cemetery Herod-Morris Cemetery High Point Cemetery Hood Cemetery Howard Cemetery Indian Creek Cemetery Johnson Cemetery Jones Cemetery Liberty Hill Cemetery Miller Cemetery Moss Cemetery Mt Olive Cemetery Nelson Grove Cemetery New Hope 4 Cemetery Newell Cemetery Oak Grove Cemetery Oak Hill Cemetery Peery Cemetery Red River Cemetery Redmond Cemetery Reed Cemetery Rest Haven Cemetery Roberts Cemetery Sam Callis Cemetery Scanland Cemetery Shiloh Cemetery Turner Cemetery Union Hill Cemetery Unknown (Dye Ch) Cemetery Unknown (Hibbit Ch) Cemetery Unknown (Mt Zion) Cemetery Unknown (Muenster) Cemetery Unknown (Rosston) Cemetery Valley View Cemetery Van Slyke Cemetery Walling Cemetery Weaver Cemetery Williams Cemetery
Available on Amazon
Stories in Stone: A Field Guide to Cemetery Symbolism and Iconography Hardcover – April 5, 2004
Stories in Stone: A Field Guide to Cemetery Symbolism and Iconography

Texas is a country in its own right.
Yanis Varoufakis in The Guardian
Cooke County, located in North Texas, has a rich history that dates back to the mid-19th century. The area was originally home to various Native American tribes, including the Comanche and Tonkawa, who were later displaced by European settlers. In 1840, the infamous Battle of Stone Houses took place in Cooke County, between Republic of Texas forces and Native American tribes. This marked a turning point in the area's settlement, paving the way for further colonization.

The county was officially established in 1848 and named after William G. Cooke, a lawyer and military figure. Soon after its formation, settlers began to arrive, attracted by fertile land and the promise of prosperity. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became the backbone of the local economy. Additionally, the arrival of the Texas and Pacific Railway in the late 19th century led to further growth and development in Cooke County.

During the Civil War, Cooke County played a significant role. Many local men enlisted in the Confederate Army and participated in various battles. The county also experienced conflicts between Union and Confederate sympathizers, leading to tension and violence within the community.

After the war, Cooke County continued to thrive, with the establishment of schools, churches, and businesses. The county seat, Gainesville, grew rapidly and became an important regional center. Today, Cooke County boasts a blend of rural beauty and urban amenities, with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and education. The county's rich history and vibrant community continue to shape its present and future.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Cooke County, Texas.

  • 1848 - Cooke County is established by the Texas state legislature.
  • 1850 - The first courthouse is built in the county's original seat, Bulcher.
  • 1857 - Gainesville becomes the new county seat, and the courthouse is relocated there.
  • 1861-1865 - Cooke County residents actively participate in the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War.
  • 1875 - The Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railway reaches Gainesville, leading to increased economic development.
  • 1879 - The notorious Sam Bass and his gang stage the first train robbery in the state of Texas near Round Rock, resulting in their eventual capture in Cook County.
  • 1880s-1890s - Cotton production booms in Cooke County, making it one of the wealthiest areas in the state.
  • 1927 - The historic Bridge Street in Gainesville is paved, becoming the first street in Texas with a state highway designation.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression leads to a decline in the local economy and agricultural industry.
  • 1960s - Interstate 35 is constructed through Gainesville, bringing improved transportation and economic opportunities.
  • 2000s - Cooke County experiences steady population growth and becomes a popular destination for outdoor recreational activities.