Gainesville State School
Gainesville, Cooke County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Authorized by the Thirty-Third Texas Legislature in 1913, the Texas State Training School for Girls opened on 160 acres east of Gainesville in 1916. Initially headed by Dr. Carrie Weaver Smith, the facility offered education, agricultural and vocational skills to girls and young women. Agnes Stephens was superintendent from 1925 to 1941. Campus facilities were added and improved over the years, including cottages, an academic building, and gymnasium. In 1966, the school was racially integrated, and in 1974, it became co-educational and renamed Gainesville State School. In 1988, the school became an all-male juvenile correctional facility. After more than a century in operation, the school continues to care for young Texans in need. (1988)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Authorized by the Texas Legislature in 1913 and opened in 1916, the Texas State Training School for Girls reflected the Progressive Era's faith in reforming troubled youth through education and vocational training. Led first by Dr. Carrie Weaver Smith and then by Agnes Stephens, the campus east of Gainesville grew with cottages, an academic building, and a gymnasium. Racially integrated in 1966 and made co-educational as Gainesville State School in 1974, it became an all-male juvenile correctional facility in 1988 and still serves young Texans today.
Why it matters
The school embodies a century of shifting American ideas about juvenile justice, women's reform work, and the state's role in caring for children in need.
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Related people
- · Carrie Weaver Smith
- · Agnes Stephens
Themes & tags
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