The Jack County Museum, located at 241 West Belknap in Jacksboro, is one of the oldest homes in Jack County. Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Cooper built the home in 1882 with materials they freighted in by wagon from Jefferson, Texas. The Coopers paid for their home with $20.00 in gold pieces.

The house contains seven rooms, with four being the original structure. The front rooms both have native stone chimneys for fireplaces, but only one fireplace is still intact. Inside you can view the extra thick oak walls where extensions were made in later additions of the home.

The Birthplace of Texas' 4-H Club

The house witnessed the birth of the “Corn Club" when founder, Tom M. Marks, was the resident. Mr. Marks served as editor of the Jacksboro News and served part-time as the county agent.

The “Corn Club” first had a membership of 111 boys. Each boy received a gallon of a new type of corn seed. The first county fair was here in 1908 with 91 boys and 30 men who exhibited their corn, in addition to 270 other exhibits.

The legacy of Tom Marks continues today with the 4-H Clubs of America. Jacksboro is proud to be the birthplace of the 4-H Club in Texas.

Hours of Operation

The Jack County Museum is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. and other times by appointment for tours. Call 940-567-5410 for more information.

Donations to the museum are greatly appreciated and are tax deductible. Please make checks payable to: Jack County Museum, Box 861, Jacksboro, TX 76458.