Gainesville State School

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)