HOME

The Chamber

Visitors

Economic Development

 

 
Accommodations

City Attractions

County Attractions
Regional Attractions
Calendar of Events
Annual Events
Dining Guide
Meeting & Banquet Facilities
Love Civic Center
Art & Culture
Sports & Recreation

Historic Paris

Visitors Guide
Related Links

Culbertson Fountain
Culbertson Fountain is in the Historic District on the Plaza downtown. It was a gift to culminate the rebuilding of Paris after the Fire of 1916. Restored as a Bicentennial project, this fountain reigns not only as the unique focal point for Paris and Lamar County, but as "the prettiest plaza in the State of Texas." (Texas Monthly)

Beautiful Downtown Paris
 


Eiffel Tower
This Eiffel Tower, standing 65 feet tall, represents a remarkable community effort. It was constructed by the Boiler Makers Local #902 utilizing materials, plant space, and employee time donated by the Babcock & Wilcox Company.

The tower stands as the impetus for Paris being designated "1995 Best Pit Stop" by the Great North American Race.

It was "Texanized" with a cowboy hat in 1998.


Corner of Jefferson Rd, Collegiate Drive, next to Love Civic Ctr.

 


Evergreen Cemetery
The Evergreen Cemetery has been operating since September 26, 1866, and is noted not only for its many carved headstones and monuments, but for its size (approximately 18,000 people interred).

Of special note is the renowned Babcock monument, a twelve foot statue of "Jesus" with cowboy boots.

 


Hayden Museum of American Art
The Hayden Museum of American Art consists of four galleries, the largest of which houses the permanent collection of graphic art, archival photography, and American chairs. This collection includes examples from every art period and American master painters are generously represented. The pieces are arranged chronologically to present a complete history of the American art scene from Folk Art to Modern and Contemporary. Seminar and Lecture facilities are available as well as an outstanding library.


930 Cardinal Lane

Admission is free, an appointment is required.
903.785.1925


Lamar County Historical Museum
The Lamar County Historical Museum was originated and operated by the Lamar County Historical Society. It is situated in a building on West Kaufman Street just south of Heritage Hall and in Heritage Park. This building and the park were donated to the city by Dr. and Mrs. William Hayden.

The museum construction has virtually been built to date by a small group of volunteer workers. The Museum layout consists of 3 areas at this time, a Foyer with exhibition space, a central section with 6 galleries, and the rural life museum. The Foyer features the porch facade of the home of Judge Jim Noble Thompson, and cabinets from the former Staples Jewelry Store as well as the neon sign from the storefront. It will display more than 200 postcards with Paris scenes. The various galleries will include a military room, which will consist of artifacts from the various wars fought by Lamar Counties from the Texas Revolution to the War in Iraq. There will be a gallery for African Americans, a changing gallery to take advantage of participation by smaller communities in the county, a room for artifacts concerning the Great Fire of 1916 and the 16-foot photomontage of Paris in 1914 just before the fire. Two rooms are devoted to the collection of early 20th century furniture donated by the Swain family, and two rooms are devoted to the sole remaining artifacts of the Buckner Orphanage (originated in Paris in 1877) which was demolished in the year 2000. The rural life museum has exhibit areas featuring the Biard log house (built in 1846), the hay and cotton industries, and a blacksmith shop. Other artifacts include an iron lung, a large loom, and tool collections as well as a number of antique washing machines.

Tours are available by reservation.

West Kaufman Street
in Heritage Park
903.785.1925


Paris Union Station Railroad Depot
The Depot building is an outstanding example of station architecture representative of those along the Frisco Railroad Lines.

The building has been rehabilitated to house the Lamar County Chamber of Commerce and the research library of the Lamar County Genealogical Society.

11th S.W. and Kaufman St.
903-784-2501


Sam Bell Maxey House
State Historic Structure restored by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and historic home of Confederate General Sam Bell Maxey.

Tour Schedule
Friday and Sunday afternoons
Saturday all day
Other times and groups by appointment only. Park closed on Monday and Tuesday.

Admission
$2.00 for adults and $1.00 for children, group rates are available

812 South Church Street
Paris, TX
(903) 785-5716


Scott Roden Home
Built in 1910 by European trained architect J.L. Wees for investor Rufus Scott, this elaborate home features ornate workmanship which has been well maintained by its current owner.

One of the finest examples of distinctive local architecture, this home is featured on the National Register of Historical Places.

Tours by appointment only

425 South Church St.

(903) 784-4333


The Wise House
This National Registry property is a rare masonry interpretation of late Victorian "Queen Anne" style architecture. The estate was built for William Belford Wise, a prominent English cotton merchant.

Restoration began in 1997 on the exterior and main floor of the house and carriage house, with a vision to preserve the buildings as they were designed and built. Original colors and materials were used whenever possible, with replacements being chosen to reflect styles of the late 1880's. The home and grounds are available for special events such as weddings, rehearsal dinners, and receptions.

418 W. Washington

(903) 784-1484

 

Contents © Lamar County Chamber of Commerce 2005
All Rights Reserved Lamar County Chamber of Commerce