Cities and Towns in Cooke County, Texas
Founded in 1848, Cooke County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Cooke County was formed from Fannin County. The city of Gainesville is the county seat. With FIPS code of 97, Cooke County has a population of 42,244 and area of 874 square miles (2,264 km²).
List of all cities in Cooke County, TX alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Callisburg, TX | 76240 | 940 |
| Era, TX | 76238 | 940 |
| Gainesville, TX | 76240 | 940 |
| 76241 | 940 | |
| Lake Kiowa, TX | 76240 | 940 |
| Lindsay, TX | 76250 | 940 |
| Muenster, TX | 76252 | 940 |
| Myra, TX | 76253 | 940 |
| Rosston, TX | 76263 | 940 |
| Valley View, TX | 76272 | 940 |
Major Cities and Towns in Cooke County, Texas
Cooke County, located in North Texas, is bordered by Oklahoma to the north and is part of the Denton–Lewisville metro area. Founded in 1848, the county is named after William G. Cooke, an early settler in the region. The area is known for its agricultural roots, especially in cattle ranching, and later, its oil and natural gas industries. Over the years, Cooke County has seen a growth in tourism and commercial development, particularly as the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex expands northward. The county’s location along Interstate 35 has made it an important hub for travelers between Texas and Oklahoma.
Gainesville
General Information
- Area: 25.9 square miles
- Population: Approximately 17,000 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 76240
- Latitude/Longitude: 33.6128° N / 97.1521° W
City Location and History
Gainesville, the largest city and county seat of Cooke County, is situated 30 miles north of Denton and 50 miles south of the Oklahoma border. The city was settled in the 1840s and named after General Edmund P. Gaines, a distinguished officer in the U.S. Army. Gainesville became an important trade and military post during the Civil War, with a significant Confederate presence in the area. The city’s economic growth took off with the arrival of the railroad in the 1870s, and it soon became a bustling center for trade, especially in cotton and grain. Gainesville’s role as a transportation hub, as well as its early contributions to Texas industry, cemented its place as one of the key cities in North Texas. In the mid-20th century, Gainesville became known as the “Host of the Red River Valley”, a title that reflects its central position in the agricultural region. Today, Gainesville maintains its historic roots while embracing modern growth, with the Texas Motor Speedway and nearby recreational areas drawing visitors from across the state.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Gainesville is served by the Gainesville Independent School District (GISD), which includes Gainesville High School, Gainesville Junior High, and several elementary schools. The district offers a variety of programs, including academic courses, sports teams, and opportunities for students to participate in arts and music programs. Gainesville High School‘s Lions sports teams are well-known in the region, particularly for their strong performances in football and track. The city is home to several notable landmarks, including the Cooke County Courthouse, a historic building that dates back to the early 1900s and serves as the seat of government. The Frank Buck Zoo, named after a local resident and world-famous animal collector, offers educational opportunities about wildlife conservation. The Santa Fe Depot is a historic railroad station that now serves as a museum, preserving the city’s early transportation history. Other landmarks include the North Texas Regional Airport, which facilitates travel and commerce in the area, and Gainesville’s historic downtown district, which features a variety of shops, restaurants, and preserved buildings that showcase the town’s 19th-century architecture.
Lindsay
General Information
- Area: 0.7 square miles
- Population: Approximately 600 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 76250
- Latitude/Longitude: 33.6883° N / 97.2244° W
City Location and History
Lindsay is a small town located in the western part of Cooke County, about 10 miles south of Gainesville. It was established in the mid-1800s and is named after Dr. John Lindsay, an early settler in the area. The town initially developed as a farming community, with settlers primarily growing cotton and raising livestock. The introduction of the railroad in the 1880s helped facilitate trade and movement of goods, though Lindsay remained a small, tight-knit agricultural community throughout much of the 20th century. Over time, Lindsay has developed a rural charm and continues to serve as a hub for farming and ranching in the region. With a population of just a few hundred residents, Lindsay offers a quiet, country lifestyle while maintaining close ties with nearby Gainesville and other urban areas. Today, Lindsay is known for its local festivals, agricultural roots, and its commitment to preserving the area’s rural way of life. The town’s proximity to Lake Texoma also provides opportunities for outdoor activities and recreation.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lindsay is served by the Lindsay Independent School District, which includes Lindsay High School, Lindsay Middle School, and Lindsay Elementary School. The district focuses on providing a personalized, high-quality education for its students, with a range of academic and extracurricular programs. Lindsay High School has a strong tradition in sports, with notable achievements in football, basketball, and track and field. The town’s most prominent landmark is the Lindsay City Park, a peaceful location for outdoor activities, including picnics, sports, and walking trails. The park serves as a gathering place for local events and community celebrations. In addition, Lindsay hosts several annual events, including the Lindsay Rodeo, which celebrates the town’s rural traditions and attracts visitors from the surrounding area. The Lindsay Community Center is another key local landmark, offering recreational and social opportunities for residents. The town’s rural atmosphere, combined with its historical roots and community events, makes it an attractive destination for those seeking a quieter, country lifestyle.
Muenster
General Information
- Area: 1.5 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,600 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 76252
- Latitude/Longitude: 33.6422° N / 97.3983° W
City Location and History
Muenster is a small, charming town located in the northeastern corner of Cooke County, about 20 miles south of Gainesville and 10 miles west of the Oklahoma border. The town was founded in 1889 by a group of German immigrants, many of whom were drawn to the area by the fertile land and the opportunity to establish agricultural businesses. Muenster’s German heritage is still evident today in the town’s culture, festivals, and cuisine. Over the years, Muenster became known for its dairy farming and cheese production, earning it the nickname, “The Cheese Capital of North Texas.” The town has maintained its rural character, with a strong emphasis on preserving its heritage, while also growing into a hub for tourism and local commerce. Muenster’s proximity to Lake Ray Roberts and the Red River provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and contributes to the town’s appeal as a weekend destination for visitors from the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Muenster is served by the Muenster Independent School District, which includes Muenster High School, Muenster Junior High, and Muenster Elementary School. The district offers a variety of educational programs with a focus on agriculture, academic excellence, and sports. Muenster High School’s sports teams, the Hornets, are known for their success in football, basketball, and volleyball. Muenster is home to several notable landmarks, including the Muenster Museum, which showcases the town’s German heritage and its history as an agricultural center. The Muenster Downtown District is known for its historic buildings, including the St. John’s Catholic Church, which serves as a prominent symbol of the town’s German and Catholic roots. The town also hosts the Muenster Fall Festival, a celebration of its German culture, featuring traditional foods, music, and dance. The Muenster Cheese Factory is another major landmark, offering tours and tastings of local cheeses and products.
