Paris, TX
Gender Diversity
Texas Historical Marker #13688
Union Station. Attempts to bring rail service to Lamar County began in the mid-1800s, but a line did not reach the city of Paris until one was built to the south side of town in 1875. Residents raised money to entice the St. Louis & San Francisco (Frisco) to extend its line to Paris from the north, and the Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe to extend from Galveston from the southeast. The lines met here in 1887. By 1912, five lines served Paris: The Texas & Pacific, the Santa Fe, the Frisco, the Texas Midland, and the Paris & Mount Pleasant. In addition to small depots serving individual railroads, the city had a wooden Union Station by the early 1900s at this site. In 1910, construction on the present Union Station began, and it opened for business in 1912 serving Frisco, Santa Fe and Texas Midland passenger trains. Segregated waiting rooms served patrons, and the railway express agency occupied the south wing. The architect is unknown, but the Prairie and Italianate style design is similar to others on the Frisco rail line. The building's dark-colored brick is complemented by lighter stone sills and lintels. The tiled, hipped roof features dormers and deep, overhanging eaves with brackets. The 77-foot tower resembles an Italian campanile, or watch tower. Rail passenger numbers in Paris peaked during World War II due to nearby Camp Maxey, but as automobile usage increased, passenger rail travel declined. The Santa Fe ended service in 1954 and the final Frisco passenger train left Union Station in 1956, but the depot continued to serve freight operations until the late 20th century. In 1997, the Kiamichi Railroad acquired Frisco and Santa Fe interests and donated the depot for restoration to the city of Paris. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2003 #13688
1100 W. Kaufman, Paris, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #13063
First Baptist Church of Paris. In 1854, the Rev. Willis M. Pickett and six charter members formed the Union Baptist Church of Paris. Remaining in its original location, the church grew dramatically, eventually becoming First Baptist Church. Many prominent Baptist leaders have pastored the church, including the Rev. Robert Cooke Buckner, who, while at Paris, developed interests in outreach to orphans that led to Buckner Baptist Benevolences. He also led the church to create an early Sunday School program. The 1895 church building was razed in the 1916 that swept through Paris. The congregation has a distinguished record of service in local and foreign missions, and has sponsored the formation of several churches. (2004) #13063
207 Church St, Paris, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #12853
Shady Grove Cemetery. Shady Grove Cemetery According to an account by Dr. J.E. Fuller (1862-1940), as reported by local historian Ed H. McCuistion (1867-1946) in a 1921 column in The Paris News, the first person buried here was a youth with the surname of Young who became ill and died while in the company of a Captain Beauchamp on Tollet's Prairie in 1844. He knew of his impending death and asked to be laid to rest here in the "beautiful grove near the crossing" at Brushy Creek. This shaded area was used for camp meetings by traveling preachers and, according to McCuistion, was deeded for this purpose by Turner B. (1800-1863) and Ann Eliza (1813-1894) Edmunson in 1847. Although Young's grave is unmarked today, other early burials include those of Mary Fincher (1852), three-year-old Matthew E.R. Hoover (1855), Aaron Fincher (1857) and Sallie V. Jennings (1857). The Edmunson's 1847 donation included the tract on which the cemetery is situated, as well as the grounds of the Shady Grove Methodist Church, which grew from the early camp meetings along the creek. South of and adjacent to Shady Grove Cemetery is an African American cemetery, also known as Shady Grove. Its earliest inscription dates to 1875. Historic Texas Cemetery - 2002 #12853
CR 13550 at CR 14400, Paris, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #12313
Lamar County Courthouse. The March 1916 fire that left downtown Paris in ruins ravaged Lamar County's massive 1897 Romanesque courthouse and tower, once thought indestructible. On April 20, 1916, the Lamar County Commissioners Court chose local designers and builders William G. Barry, Edwin R. Smith and Elmer George Withers to work with the Fort Worth architectural firm of Sanguinet & Staats to design a new courthouse. The county judge and commissioners court and Carl G. Staats reviewed the designs of several courthouses around the state. Some Paris residents requested that the new courthouse be built in the center of its lot in keeping with the city's plans for wide roads at the town square, but the court decided that it would be more efficient to build the new structure upon the same foundation as the old courthouse. The upper ruins of the old courthouse were dismantled by July 1916. In late August the commissioners chose J. C. Buchanan and J. N. Gilder of Fort Worth, who did significant work in rebuilding Paris after the fire, to serve as contractors. Construction began in September. By that time the restoration and renovation of several other buildings around the square was nearing completion, and downtown Paris took on a modern appearance. Completed by November 1917, the new courthouse was built of fireproof concrete covered by rough pink granite salvaged from the 1897 building. Distinctive features of the imposing Classical edifice include corner pavilions and engaged granite columns and the Classical cornice with matching terra cotta ornament (notably eagles and medallions). Marked by triple-arched porticos, the primary entrances echo the Romanesque style of the original structure. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark-2000 #12313
119 N. Main St., Paris, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #12013
Paris Junior College. Henry P. Mayer, a member of the Paris Independent School District Board of Education, proposed the establishment of a junior college in Paris in 1992. He quickly gained the support of the community, as many leading citizens and local civic organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce, the Lions Club, and the Rotary Club, promoted the junior college movement in Paris. The PARIS MORNING NEWS published favorable ads and editorials, and citizen support was overwhelming. On June 6, 1924, the board of education passed a resolution formally establishing Paris Junior College and approved six areas of study: english, math, history, and foreign languages, education and science. Plans called for the college to be housed in the renovated post office building downtown, but because work on that structure was delayed, the new institution was housed in a wing of the high school for it's first year. Ninety-one students registered for the first session in september 1924, and the college quickly attained accreditation. Enrollment grew to 424 within a decade. By 1940 Paris Junior College occupied a new campus on the east side of the city, made possible by a bond election, federal works progress administration funds and financial gifts form local citizens. Many students left to serve in the military during World War ll, and the college instituted a number of programs for returning veterans after the war. The school continued to grow in the second half of the 20th Century. With expanded facilities in Paris and satellite campuses in several surrounding counties. Enrollment Topped the 3,000 mark in 1998. As Paris Junior College prepared to enter a new century with service to its students and community. #12013
2400 Clarksville Street, Paris, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #12012
Lightfoot-Coleman House. Alabama native Henry William Lightfoot a Confederate veteran of Forrest's Cavalry, came to Paris in 1872 as a law partner of Sam Bell Maxey. Two years later, he married Maxey's adopted daughter, Dora Rowel Maxey, and soon the young couple had this house built across the street form the Maxey home. Built of lumber hauled from Jefferson, its outstanding architectural feature is a double gallery decorated with Eastlake-style millwork. Lightfoot served as a state senator and as chief justice of the 5th Court of Civil Appeals. He died while traveling in Alaska in 1901, and his heirs later sold the house to the Rodgers Coleman family, early preservationist who oversaw restorations of the house in the 1950s. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1965 #12012
746 S. Church St., Paris, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #12008
John James Culbertson. (March 16, 1853 - September 27, 1932) Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, John James Culbertson grew up in large northeastern cities. He married Emily Lou Lee of New Jersey in 1882 and soon became a salesman for a cotton product company based in Alabama. During his southern travels, Culbertson saw the potential for profit from cottonseed oil. He moved to Paris and was instrumental in building the first Paris cotton mill about 1884. The company, Paris Oil Works, was sold to American Cotton Oil Trust in 1887, and Culbertson moved to Arkansas to manage a southern oil company plant. Four years later the Culbertsons returned to Paris, where he built a small cottonseed oil empire through the Paris Oil and Cotton Company, later known as Southland Cotton Oil Company. Culbertson was asked to participate in a master plan for the growth of Paris in 1913. As an influential Texas financier, he was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Federal Reserve Bank in Dallas when it was formed in 1914. His nationwide reputation as a cotton producer led President Woodrow Wilson to appoint him to the board that organized a bureau to oversee cotton and cottonseed products for the U. S. Food Administration in 1917. After Paris was ravaged by fire in 1916, John and Emily Culbertson were among leading citizens who rebuilt the city. Held in high esteem by the people of Paris, the Culbertsons gave many public spaces, monuments and works of art to the city and several local institutions, including the Paris Public Library and the fountain of imported Carrara marble on the city's central plaza. (1999) #12008
?, Paris, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08229
Tridens Prairie. In 1841, when Zacharia Westfall was granted 1280 acres of land in this area, much of the northeastern region of Texas was covered with natural prairies. Over the years most of them have been plowed or destroyed. Tridens Prairie, which covers 97 acres of Westfall's original grant, is an undisturbed remnant of the blackland prairie that now is under preservation management. Tridens Prairie is part of a natural grassland that extends from Texas through the midwestern United States and into southern Canada. Its name is derived from the native, perennial bunch grass known as long-spiked tridens. Over 150 species of grasses and wildflowers have been identified in Tridens Prairie. Dominant grasses of the prairie include sporobolus silveanus (silveanus dropseed), tridens strictus (long-spiked tridens), paspalum floridanum (Florida paspalum), and tripsacum dactyloides (eastern gama). One of the few remaining native grasslands in the state and once part of a large hay-producing region, Tridens Prairie is an important part of Texas' natural history. It is being preserved by the Texas Nature Conservancy and Texas Garden Clubs, Inc. #8229
?, Paris, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08228
George Washington Stell, Sr.. (1793 - Dec. 12, 1870) A veteran of the War of 1812, Virginia native George W. Stell, Sr. came to Texas in the late 1830s. A farmer, surveyor, and builder, he constructed the first courthouse in Paris after it was named the Lamar County Seat in 1844. Stell, who was deaf, also surveyed the route of the Central National Road for the Republic of Texas Congress. Stretching for 130 miles from the Trinity River to the Red River, it helped open the area for settlement. #8228
?, Paris, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08225
Scott Mansion. This Paris landmark was built between 1908 and 1910 for the family of prominent businessman Rufus Fenner Scott, Sr. (1848-1932). Designed by German-born architect J. L. Wees, who is responsible for many of the town's civic and commercial buildings, the Scott Mansion exhibits a combination of art nouveau and Dutch renaissance styling. A survivor of the Paris fire of 1916, it stands as a significant reminder of the area's growth in the early twentieth century. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1984 #8225
425 S. Church St., Paris, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08224
St. Paul Baptist Church. Organized 1867; one of founding churches (1872), Zion District Baptist Association. Original pastor, the Rev. Elisha Barnes (1811-95), served 20 years, led congregation to build (about 1876) its first church. The Rev. C. N. Hampton, pastor 1895-1920, saw a brick edifice erected, lost in 1916 Paris fire. Present church was finished under the Rev. J. H. Harris. Other pastors: W. M. Conner, L. M. Luke, C. B. Martin, S. A. Tillman, J. R. Miner, L. V. Bolton, J. A. Brown, M. J. Stewart, B. S. Peoples, T. J. Houston, L. K. Kimbrough, E. Rhodes, V. C. L. Coleman, J. E. Coby, S. K. Bizzell, H. M. McCown, L. H. Brown, W. E. Bradford, and W. S. Wright. Incise on back of marker: Church officers, 1973: W. M. Wortham, chairman, Board of Deacons; L. C. Pruitt, chairman of trustees; Ralph Rodgers, financial secretary, Jesse L. Mathis, treasurer; Mrs. Sweet M. Ferguson, clerk. #8224
?, Paris, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08223
St. Joseph's Hospital. In 1911 the Catholic bishop of Dallas, Joseph Patrick Lynch (1872-1954), beseeched the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word to administer St. Joseph's Infirmary in Paris. The congregation, based in San Antonio and experienced in hospital care, dispatched six Sisters by train. They arrived in Paris in August, and began refurbishing the 2-story, 16-room frame infirmary on this site. The building had been converted about 1908 from St. Patrick's Academy (established in 1898), but was later abandoned. The Sisters' first patient was admitted on October 1, 1911. Within three years Bishop Lynch dedicated a new 4-story brick infirmary here. When much of Paris was consumed by fire on March 21, 1916, St. Joseph's survived with its own power and light plant. Doctors' offices and school classes were welcomed in the infirmary. World War II ended the Depression and brought an army camp to Paris, with St. Joseph's serving the military and dependents who arrived. The 1914 building and hospital services were expanded during and after the war, directly supporting the economic growth of Paris. In 1963 a campaign was launched by the congregation and local supporters to build a new hospital, dedicated here in 1968. The facility and services have been frequently expanded to serve a large surrounding region. Texas Sesquicentennial 1836 - 1986 #8223
820 Clarksville St., Paris, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08221
Providence Baptist Church. This small rural church was organized in 1868 by John A. Fuller with about twelve members. Early worship services were held at the Methodist church building and in the local schoolhouse. Joseph Givens, for whom the surrounding community was named, donated the land at this site for church use, and the first permanent sanctuary, consisting of one large room, was constructed in 1870. Summer revivals were held outdoors under a brush arbor. For nearly one hundred years, baptisms were held in local ponds and cotton gin pools. #8221
?, Paris, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08219
Paris Public Schools. Although attempts to provide a public school system in Paris were made as early as 1877, it was not until 1884 that the system as it is known today was organized. Under the strong leadership of Mayor John C. Gibbons, W. B. Aikin, E. L. Dohoney, and Travis Henderson, the city council appointed a board of trustees to supervise the first full session of the newly organized school system. Three schools comprised the system in 1884. The Aikin Institute, later known as Aikin High School and as Paris High School, was located at this site. The second facility was the Graham School, originally known as the Paris Female Institute. A school for black students was located on North Jefferson Street in 1884. It later was moved to another site and was named Gibbons High School in honor of the former mayor. J. C. Brooks of Tennessee served as first superintendent of Paris Public Schools. A later superintendent, J. G. Wooten, served for 37 years and was responsible for much improvement and expansion, including the 1924 addition of Paris Junior College, which remained part of the public school system until 1949. Through its years of growth and development, the Paris Public Schools have educated and influenced thousands of students throughout the community. #8219
3rd and Lamar, Paris, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08218
Paris Lodge No. 27, A. F. & A. M.. The 1845 charter establishing Paris Lodge No. 27 was the last charter issued by the Grand Lodge of Texas during the Republic of Texas period. The lodge was organized by George W. Wright, founder of Paris, as a refuge for transient immigrant Masons. Over the years members have met at numerous locations in Paris before building a hall at this site in 1985. Paris Lodge No. 27, noted for its charitable and civic contributions, has been in continuous existence since 1845. In 1873, 1956, and 1961 a member of this lodge served as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Texas. #8218
?, Paris, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08217
Paris Fire Department. Fire protection in Paris dates to the early 1870s, when a group of businessmen led by Willet Babcock organized a volunteer fire company. Known as Phoenix Fire Company No. 1, the volunteer unit continued in operation until the city created a paid fire department in 1908. Operating from facilities at this site since 1884, the fire department has exhibited exemplary service in a number of disastrous fires, most notably the great fire of March 2,1 1916, which killed three people, destroyed 1,400 buildings, and caused millions of dollars' worth of property damage. #8217
107 E. Kaufman, Paris, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08216
The Paris Fire, 1916. Although Paris was founded in the mid-1840s, many of its historic structures were lost in a fire that destroyed almost half the town in 1916. The blaze started about five o'clock on the afternoon of March 21, 1916, at the S. J. Long Warehouse near the southwest city limits. Its cause is unknown, but one theory is that a spark from a switch engine ignited dry grass near the warehouse. Winds estimated at 50 miles per hour soon blew the fire out of control as it burned a funnel-shaped path to the northeast edge of Paris. Firemen from Bonham, Cooper, Dallas, Honey Grove, and Hugo, Okla., helped the Paris Fire Department battle the flames, which were visible up to 40 miles away. The blaze destroyed most of the central business district and swept through a residential area before it was controlled at about sunrise on March 22. Property damage from the fire was estimated at $11,000,000. The structures burned included the Federal Building and post office, Lamar County Courthouse and Jail, City Hall, most commercial buildings, and several churches. Rebuilding was begun quickly as townspeople collected relief funds and opened their homes to the victims. A railroad and market center before the disaster, Paris soon regained its former prosperity. #8216
Main and Grand, Paris, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08214
Paris. This site marks the first call for survey of the city of Paris, Republic of Texas, 1844. Geo. W. Wright, early settler, soldier in Texas War for Independence, congressman of the Republic, donated 50 acres of land for Lamar County Seat. Plat of lots, blocks and streets was drawn, and from that beginning grew the present city. #8214
200 block NW 3rd St., Paris, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08213
Old Cemetery of Paris. The old city cemetery is located on land once owned by George Washington Wright (1809-1877), founder of the city of Paris. The oldest grave here is said to be that of a free black man who worked for Wright. Although the stone is illegible, the date is thought to be 1845. The oldest legible stone marks the grave of Thomas Wortham (1776-1846). Site of the primary burial ground for Paris between 1845-1865, the plot was also referred to as Wright's Cemetery. In 1866 the Evergreen Cemetery was begun, called the New Cemetery, and many graves were exhumed and moved there. George W. Wright was buried in the Old Cemetery in 1877. A cemetery association was formed in 1879, and in 1885 Wright heirs deeded the land to its trustees. In 1922 the cemetery was deeded to the city of Paris and a standpipe was located there for the new Lake Crook Waterworks. The cemetery contains approximately 325 graves. About one hundred markers are intact, and show the majority of burials to have taken place between 1870-1910. Many early community leaders are buried here, and a granite marker honors members of the 9th Texas Infantry, C. S. A., who died in a measles epidemic in 1862. Texas Sesquicentennial 1836-1986 #8213
5th and 6th St. (400 block), Paris, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08212
Moore's Springs Cemetery. Levin Vinson Moore (1809-1899) brought his family to this area from Tennessee in 1836. They established a farmstead near a natural spring, and soon were joined by eleven other families from the southern United States. The earliest marked graves in this cemetery, which started on the Moore farm, date to 1873. Moore family members, as well as many of their neighbors, are interred in the historic graveyard. It was officially recorded in county deed records in 1895 after Robert H. Moore, a son of L. V. Moore, donated a 1-acre tract of land for burial purposes. #8212
?, Paris, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08210
McCuistion Home. Built 1858 as story and a half home by early doctor, A. S. Johnson. Remodelled 1907. Occupied in 1916 by Dr. L. P. McCuistion (1869-1947), 57 years a physician, who founded the sanitarium of Paris in 1914 and led in development of Paris as a hospital center. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1965 #8210
730 Clarksville, Paris, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08208
Home of Sam Bell Maxey. (Star and Wreath) Native Kentuckian, West Point graduate, brevetted for gallantry in Mexican war, district attorney from Lamar County, Major General C. S. A. in Tennessee and Mississippi campaigns, commander of Indian Territory 1863-1865 organizing three brigades of Indians which participated in Red River Campaign, Cavalry division commander, U. S. Senator 1875-1887. Buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Paris. #8208
812 S. Church St., Paris, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08207
Judge Wm. Henry Lightfoot House. Built 1876 by Judge Wm. Henry Lightfoot, veteran of Forrest's Cavalry in Civil War; law partner of Gen. (and U. S. Senator) Sam B. Maxey. Lumber was hauled from Jefferson. Has square nails. Wide board pine floors are pegged. Water well beneath back porch. Restored by Mr. and Mrs. Rodgers Coleman. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1965 #8207
Church and Washington St., Paris, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08206
Lamar County Fair. Five Paris businessmen founded the Lamar County Fair Association in 1911: Guy S. Caldwell (1875-1937), C. J. Musselman (1884-1951), John C. Gibbons (1895-1936), Rube Wells (1859-1951), and Dr. M. L. Maxwell (1865-1939). Each of the men invested one hundred dollars to begin the venture, and Henry Clement loaned them property on which to erect fair buildings. The fair property served as an emergency relief camp and shelter following a major fire in Paris in 1916. The coliseum, designed by architect J. L. Wees, was completed in 1921 and has been the site of many activities. Texas Sesquicentennial 1836 - 1986 #8206
Fairgrounds, NE 6th St., Paris, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08205
Lamar County, C. S. A.. Of uneasy border of Indian Territory in the Civil War. A military transport center, on the Old Central National Road surveyed in 1844 by the Republic of Texas, to run from San Antonio, crossing Red River north of Paris. A rich farming area. Lamar County gave much food to the Confederacy, despite unrest over rumors of Federal invasion from the north. In 1861, Lamar County sent to the Texas Secession Convention the one delegation to vote unanimously against secession. Citizens in the statewide election also opposed secession by vote of 663 to 553. Once war came, however, the county raised at least 9 combat companies. Organized 9th Texas Infantry, led in succession by Colonels S. B. Maxey, W. H. Young and W. A. Stanley. The 9th fought at bloody Shiloh in 1862 and later was in famous Hood's Texas Brigade, one of the most illustrious armies in the Civil War. Maxey became one of the 3 major generals and Young one of the 32 brigadier generals given by the state of Texas to the Confederate cause. Among most noted of Texas contractors of beef to feed Confederate armies was a Lamar countian, John Chisum, who during wartime became a cattle king, with great herds in open country to the west. #8205
?, Paris, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08204
Lamar County. Created December 17, 1840 from Red River County. Organized in 1841. Named in honor of Mirabeau B. Lamar, 1798-1859. Father of Texas education. President of the Republic of Texas 1838-1841. Lafayette, 1841, Mount Vernon, 1843, Paris, originally called Pinhook, 1844, have served as county seat. #8204
US 82, Paris, TX, United States
Subjects
Texas Historical Marker #08200
Hayes House. John M. Hayes (1869-1918) constructed this three-story frame residence soon after he purchased the property in 1906. A businessman, Hayes managed the substantial financial holdings of his family. After his death, his widow, Jo Elizabeth (d. 1961), continued to reside here. The home, which features restrained classical detailing on the exterior and intricate interior ornamentation, reflects the status of a prominent Paris family at the turn of the century. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1983 #8200
901 S. Main, Paris, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08199
J. W. Harrison & Son. John Winn Harrison (1865-1940) came to Paris from Alabama in 1886. Working as a carpenter for several years, he formed a construction company in partnership with Cornelius G. Caviness in the 1890s. Becoming an independent contractor about 1913, he played a major part in rebuilding the city after a disastrous fire in 1916. Barney Harrison (1898-1954) joined his father in business in 1917, and the firm of J. W. Harrison & Son was formed in 1919. The company built many public and private structures in Paris, including homes, schools, the city hall, and the public library. #8199
222 Hickory St., Paris, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08197
First Presbyterian Church. Organized 1861 by the Rev. John Anderson. Odd Fellows Seminary and a downtown shop were sites of early worship. Congregation built first sanctuary in 1874. Architects for this church (built 1891) were L. B. Volk and Son. Contractor: W. R. Eubanks. Romanesque style building is of Carthage stone; has stained glass windows from Belgium. The auditorium, cruciform in plan, has a wooden, ribbed vault of beaded boards. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1968 #8197
410 W. Kaufman St., Paris, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08196
First United Methodist Church of Paris. The beginning of this congregation can be traced to 1843, when the Rev. James Graham organized the First Methodist Church in the area. It later took the name Centenary Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Meanwhile, another congregation, Lamar Avenue Methodist Church, was formed. After the destructive Paris fire of 1916, the two churches decided to form one central downtown congregation, and the merger became official in 1918. The Rev. Robert P. Shuler was appointed first pastor of the new congregation, now known as First United Methodist Church of Paris. #8196
3rd and Lamar, Paris, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08195
First National Bank of Paris. Organized and opened for business at its present location in 1886 by William J. McDonald (1844-1926), Civil War veteran and lawyer. Earlier he had opened the Citizens Bank of Clarksville and in 1889 he established a Delta County Bank. Under his shrewd leadership the banks prospered. Although careful in the granting of loans, he was also lenient about their repayment and seldom foreclosed. Aside from McDonald, the original stockholders included George F. Hicks, A. G. Hubbard, Edward Reuss, and R. F. Scott, Sr. McDonald was bank president for many years and upon his death, left the bulk of his estate to the University of Texas to erect an observatory. In 1939 McDonald Observatory, in West Texas, was dedicated. Present bank building was completed in 1916, but less than 3 months later was gutted by a ruinous city-wide fire. Within the year, however, it was restored. Throughout the years, the bank has been a bulwark of the area's economy. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, its loans enabled many merchants and farmers to stay in business. In 1951 the bank portion of the building was remodeled. The present chairman of the board is Michel T. Halbouty and president is C. Glynn Lowe. #8195
Main & Lamar, Paris, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08192
Ewing House. Originated as a log cabin, built 1852 by Robert Glass. Later extended to 10 rooms; is called "House of Seven Gables," or old home of Mrs. Sallie Ewing, purchaser in 1882. Log cabin is now the living room. Two fireplaces are of old, handmade brick. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1967 #8192
135 4th St. NW, Paris, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08191
J. M. Early House. Built 1893 by businessman and poet John M. Early (1849-1919) for his wife, Alice; sons, Junius and Buck; and daughter, Alice. Doing his own carpentry, Early styled this after his Georgia boyhood home, using finest heart pine. Core of plan: 2-story, 4-room house with wide halls. Kitchen was separate, other rooms were added later. Among fine details are floor-length windows, ornate brass hardware, handmade doors, cherry wood stairway. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1967 #8191
1970 Clarksville St., Paris, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08190
Burial Site of John S. Chisum. (1824-1884) Cattle baron whose herds, moving from east to west Texas and into New Mexico, expanded into one of the greatest cattle spreads in the west. Coming from Tennessee to Paris, 1837, Chisum joined S. K. Fowler in a cattle venture in Denton County, 1854. During the Civil War, he supplied beef to Confederate troops west of the Mississippi and his cowboys guarded the frontier against Indians. After moving in 1864 to the Concho River, then to "Bosque Grande" on the Pecos, he finally located his spread at South Spring near Roswell, New Mexico, 1873. His enormous herds-- 60,000 to 100,000 head-- pounded trails across Texas into New Mexico. His name and fame led to confusion with Jesse Chisholm, blazer of part of the historic Texas-to-Kansas cattle trail. Chisum's onetime partner, famous cattleman Charles Goodnight, said that Chisum, who could correctly tally three grades of moving cattle at once, was the best counter he knew. Chisum's distinctive "Long Rail" brand and "Jinglebob" ear-notch defied alteration. A disastrous packing house deal and involvement in the 1876 "Lincoln County War," in which Billy the Kid and various cattle factions figured, ultimately led to Chisum's financial ruin. #8190
?, Paris, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08189
Central Presbyterian Church. This congregation, established during the Republic of Texas period, was organized as the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church on November 4, 1844, by the Rev. Samuel J. Corley, a circuit-riding minister. The first church building was erected in 1847. Under the leadership of the Rev. C. J. Bradley the church built a new sanctuary in 1859 at a site near downtown Paris. During the pastorate (1880-1908) of Dr. Charles Manton the congregation erected a new sanctuary (1891) and experienced tremendous growth. Flags throughout the community were flown at half-mast on the day of Dr. Manton's funeral in recognition of his many civic contributions. The congregation officially changed its name to Central Presbyterian Church in 1912. The 1891 sanctuary, destroyed in the devastating 1916 Paris fire, was replaced during the tenure of the Rev. L. C. Kirkes with this Gothic revival style sanctuary in 1917. Designed by Thomas Broad of the firm of Curtis, Broad, & Lightfoot, it features extensive stained glass by the Ford Brothers Glass Company in Minneapolis. Educational facilities have been added over the years. The congregation, noted for its education and music programs, is a leading civic institution that continues to provide spiritual guidance to the community. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1994 Incise on front: Estate of Francenia Hicks #8189
309 S. Church St., Paris, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08188
Central National Road of the Republic of Texas. Designed as a military highway, intended to make linkage with United States military road built to the north of the Red River in the 1820s. This was part of the national effort of Republic of Texas to open a good road system. Congress in 1839 passed a bill for a road east from Washington-on-the-Brazos to the Sabine River; 1841 legislation called for a road from the Nueces to the Red River and another from Austin to Santa Fe, New Mexico. The Central National Road was created in 1844, to reach from mouth of Elm Fork on the Trinity to Kiomatia Crossing on the Red. It went down a main street in Paris, which was founded in 1844; near its south end was the 1841 John Neely Bryan home around which the city of Dallas originated. Major George W. Stell surveyed the 130-mile route. Plans called for a road 30 feet wide and clear of tree stumps over 12 inches high. For each mile of road built (including bridges), grants of 160 acres of public lands were offered. Commissioners were Roland W. Box, Harrison County; James Bradshaw, Nacogdoches County; William M. Williams and Jason Wilson, Lamar County; John Yeary, Fannin County. The route is roughly followed by later roads. #8188
?, Paris, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08186
Camp Maxey. Recognizing in 1940 that hosting peacetime draftees might revive the county's economy, the city of Paris sent a request for the army to build a training camp here. The local American Legion acquired land options. Delegations from the Chamber of Commerce of Lamar County received initial support, but Congressman Lyndon Johnson moved the planned camp to his district at Bastrop. In response U. S. Senator Tom Connally and army officials ensured a camp for Paris, confirmed in July 1941. The 70,000 acre site was being surveyed when the U. S. entered World War II in December. Camp Maxey, named for C. S. A. General and U. S. Senator Sam Bell Maxey from paris, was activated on July 15, 1942. Its main entrance was "Gate 5" marked by stone portals at this site. Two infantry divisions, the 102nd "Ozark" and 99th "Checkerboard," trained here with the 250th Field Artillery and other army units. A regional hospital and a prisoner of war camp hosting 7,000 Germans were part of the reservation. Local women formed the "Maxey Command" to host dances for the total of 194,800 soldiers stationed here. Area residents housed thousands of dependents and filled 10,300 civilian jobs on base. The camp was closed when the P. O. W. stockade was vacated in early 1946. #8186
?, Paris, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08185
Robert Cooke Buckner. Outstanding Baptist minister. Born in Tennessee (January 3, 1833 - April 9, 1919), he moved to Texas 1859, and became pastor of this congregation in 1861. A new church building was erected here, and through his guidance, the congregation grew. First Baptist "Ladies Aid" group in Texas was founded here, 1861. In 1873, Dr. Buckner resigned to edit the publication "Religious Messenger." In 1877, he led in founding a Baptist orphans home. Under a large, shady oak, he gave the first dollar for the Dallas home, which, on the base he laid, has grown today into the well-known Buckner "Benevolences." #8185
?, Paris, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08184
Biardstown School. The history of schools in Biardstown is closely associated with the Biard family, early settlers of the area. The first school in the community was in the log home of William Washington Biard. In 1867 John Wilson Biard, son of William Biard, and his wife Lizzie donated land for a schoolhouse. It was replaced by a second building in 1885. The rural school became a part of the Delmar Independent School District in 1949. The Biardstown School building was converted to serve as a community center. Texas Sesquicentennial 1836 - 1986 #8184
?, Paris, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08182
Atkinson-Morris House. Built about 1890 by Jethro D. Atkinson, bank director and owner of Paris' first shoe store. Bought 1910 by social leaders, Dr. Eugene Felder Morris and wife Elizabeth. A fine example of Victorian style prevailing here before the great 1916 Paris fire. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1972 #8182
802 Fitzhugh Ave., Paris, TX, United States