Cooke County, C.S.A./2nd Frontier Regiment
Historical marker location:
Military, defense center in Civil War. Cooke voted 231 to 137 anti-secession, yet nine military units served Confederacy from here. In constant danger of Federal or Indian attack. Col. Wm. C. Young of Cooke, with 1,000 men took Indian Territory forts from Federals April-May 1861. Commissioners set up regular patrols. Forted a home as refuge for dependents. Gave $4,000 for munitions and wool cards to make cloth. Cotton gin, grist mill, gunsmiths, blacksmiths made war goods. C.S.A. was furnished epsom salts from Indian creek. Corn, beef, pork, wheat, other produce fed the military, home front. County swapped 25 steers for salt for dependent families. People worked hard, sacrificed much, protected homes of fighting men of Confederacy. (Back of Cooke County, C.S.A.) Organized Oct. 1863 with Gainesville as headquarters, the Second Frontier Regiment, Texas Cavalry C.S.A. guarded counties along Red River, to keep down outlaws, Indians, deserters. Col. James Bourland (1803-1868) was appointed Commander and it became known as "Bourland's Border Regiment." Union invasion from north of Red River was constantly threatened. These mounted troops patrolled, maintained posts along river and in Indian Territory. Confederate Seminole troops served with the unit. Famous Confederate Indian Gen. Stand Watie and his Cherokee Brigade shared duty along perilous border. Bourland also worked with Frontier Regiment, state troops, that maintained line posts 100 mi. west, a day's horseback ride apart, from Red to Rio Grande rivers, and with a state militia line 30 mi. to the west.
Erected by The State of Texas 1963
April 12, 1861: The Civil War begins with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, located in South Carolina's Charleston Harbor.
April 15, 1861: President Abraham Lincoln issues a call for 75,000 volunteers to serve in the Union Army to suppress the rebellion.
May 24, 1861: The first major land battle, known as the First Battle of Bull Run (or First Battle of Manassas), takes place in Virginia. It ends in Confederate victory.
September 17, 1862: The Battle of Antietam in Maryland becomes the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with heavy casualties on both sides. The Union forces, commanded by General George McClellan, manage to halt Confederate General Robert E. Lee's advance into Union territory.
January 1, 1863: President Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all slaves in Confederate-held territories are to be set free. However, the proclamation does not immediately free all slaves in the United States.
July 1-3, 1863: The Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania takes place, resulting in a significant Union victory and inflicting heavy casualties on Confederate forces. It marks a turning point in the war.
November 19, 1863: President Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address, emphasizing the principles of liberty, equality, and the preservation of the Union.
April 9, 1865: General Robert E. Lee surrenders to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia, effectively ending the Civil War.
April 14, 1865: President Lincoln is assassinated by John Wilkes Booth while attending a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.
May 10, 1865: Confederate President Jefferson Davis is captured, signaling the collapse of the Confederate government.
December 6, 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, officially abolishing slavery throughout the country.
While this timeline provides an overview of key events, it is important to note that the Civil War spanned over four years, from 1861 to 1865, and encompassed numerous battles, campaigns, and political developments that shaped the course of American history.
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
The first oil well in the United States was drilled in Texas in 1859. The discovery of oil transformed the economy of the state and helped to make Texas one of the wealthiest states in the nation.
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.
Cooke County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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.