The Great Hanging at Gainesville, 1862
Gainesville, Cooke County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Facing the threat of invasion from the north and fearing a Unionist uprising in their midst, the people of North Texas lived in constant dread during the Civil War. Word of a "Peace Party" of Union sympathizers, sworn to destroy their government, kill their leaders, and bring in Federal troops caused great alarm in Cooke and neighboring counties. Spies joined the "Peace Party" discovered its members and details of their plans. Under the leadership of Colonels James Bourland, Daniel Montague and others, citizens loyal to the Confederacy determined to destroy the order; and on the morning of October 1, 1862, there were widespread arrests "by authority of the people of Cooke County." Fear of rescue by "Peace Party" members brought troops and militia to Gainesville, where the prisoners were assembled, and hastened action by the citizens committee. At a meeting of Cooke County citizens, with Colonel W. C. Young presiding, it was unanimously resolved to establish a Citizens Court and to have the Chairman choose a committee to select a jury. 68 men were brought speedily before the court. 39 of them were found guilty of conspiracy and insurrection, sentenced and immediately hanged. Three other prisoners who were members of military units were allowed trial by Court Martial at their request and were subsequently hanged by its order. Two others broke from their guard and were shot and killed. The Texas Legislature appropriated $4,500 for rations, forage used by State troops here during the unrest. (1964)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In the anxious first years of the Civil War, North Texans feared invasion from the north and a Unionist uprising within. Alarm over a rumored "Peace Party" of Union sympathizers led Confederate-loyal citizens to make mass arrests around Cooke County in October 1862, convening an extralegal "Citizens Court" at Gainesville. Forty-one men were hanged after summary trials, and two more were shot, in one of the deadliest episodes of vigilante violence in American history.
Why it matters
The Great Hanging stands as a stark reminder of how war and fear can dissolve the rule of law, turning a community against its own in the name of loyalty.
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Related people
- · Col. James Bourland
- · Col. Daniel Montague
- · Col. W.C. Young
Related events
- · The Great Hanging at Gainesville (1862)
Themes & tags
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