Votes
2012 Best Small Towns in America
- 349 votes - Most Patriotic
- 4 votes - Friendliest
- 1 vote - Most Beautiful
Description
Named after Edmund Pendleton Gaines, Gainesville is a town deeply rooted in its past with historic homes, traditional events and long standing educational institutions. The town is home to North Central Texas College and North Texas Medical Center and has the largest school system in its county. It most notably plays host to the Medal of Honor program, welcoming every recipient in the nation.
Gainesville’s derives historic relevance from World War II when it was home to Camp Howze, one of the largest replacement training centers. The local train station was used by the Amtrak Lone Star, which stopped operating in 1979. The station’s reopening in 1999 brought a renewed prosperity to the town. One of Gainesville's noteworthy events is the annual Depot Day. Every October the town celebrates railroad history with a car show, an art show, and other entertainment.
Visit the Morton Museum to get a glimpse into the town’s history. This building originally housed Gainesville's city hall, fire station, and jail. Now you can research genealogy or take a tour of the historic downtown and sites in the area including two theatres and a performing arts center.
Families will particularly enjoy Frank Buck Zoo. The zoo was originally on the grounds of the former Gainesville Community Circus, which helped bring tourism to the town in the 30s and 40s. The zoo’s current location is in Leonard Park. For more on 2012’s Most Patriotic Town, check out its reviews.
Traveler Reviews
Definatly one of the most patriotic citiea
Nothing says "Most Patriotic Small Town in America" like comparing your Commander-in-Chief (you know, the guy who gave the SEALs the green light to kill bin Laden) to the world's most notorious terrorist: http://www.addictinginfo.org/2012/08/22/vicious-anti-obama-billboard-stirs-up-controversy-video/
I guess they waited until the Best of the Road folks were gone before putting this one up.
Way to go Gainesville! There should be more towns like you in the USA.....but, of course, Texas would have one of the best!
I have lived in Gainesville all my life and am so proud of Gainesville. Our Medal of Honor Program is really something to be proud of. It's hard to believe that a small town like Gainesville is the only Medal of Honor Host City. Thanks to all of those who are involved in making the Medal of Honor Week so special.
I will always be proud to call Gainesville my hometown. Congratulations to Gainesville, and especially all of those who were so instrumental in ensuring Gainesville won! I think it is a great way to motivate current residents to become involved in Gainesville!