GATESVILLE – An electrical short caused a massive fire the evening of March 16, 2026, that destroyed the entire city block on the west side of the town square, across the street from the Coryell County Courthouse. Four businesses were destroyed, including The Gatesville Messenger newspaper.

Broadcast students from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor News Cru in Belton, Texas, visited Gatesville, Texas for a team approach to learning about the impact of the fire on the community and plans for recovery.

Video Copyright University of Mary Hardin-Baylor 2026