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 |