ParisOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Frontier Settlement to Railroad Hub

Paris, Texas, began as a frontier settlement in the early 1800s, with activity recorded as early as 1824. Merchant George W. Wright formally founded the town in February 1844, donating 50 acres of land. That same year, the community became the county seat of Lamar County. The Congress of the Republic of Texas officially incorporated Paris on February 3, 1845. Thomas Poteet, an employee of Wright's, named the town after Paris, France.

By the eve of the Civil War, Paris had 700 residents and was a cattle and farming center. Lamar County voted against secession, though many residents later served in the Confederacy. The arrival of the Texas and Pacific Railway in 1876, followed by other lines like the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe in 1887, established Paris as a railroad center. This boosted its economy through agriculture, trade, and transportation.

Rebuilding from Ashes and Modern Growth

Paris has faced challenges, including major fires in 1877 and 1916. The Great Fire of March 21, 1916, destroyed nearly half the town, including most of the downtown business district and many homes. Damages were estimated at $11 million. The city rebuilt within two years, creating a collection of period architecture. The Lamar County Courthouse was rebuilt a year after the 1916 fire, in a Classical Revival design. The Culbertson Fountain, completed between 1924 and 1927, was erected in the downtown plaza to symbolize the city's rebirth.

In 1982, a tornado destroyed over 1,500 homes, caused eight fatalities, and left 3,000 people homeless. Following this, local businesses invested nearly $7 million in revitalizing the downtown area from 1984 through the early 1990s. Today, Paris preserves its heritage through historic sites and cultural events, alongside modernization.

• —Lamar County Courthouse — This Classical Revival building, rebuilt after the 1916 fire, features a marble and pink granite exterior. Its design is characteristic of public architecture from that period.
• —Eiffel Tower of Paris, Texas — A 65-foot replica of its Parisian namesake, this landmark has a red cowboy hat on top, added in 1998. It is a reference to the city's name and a photo spot.
• —Bywaters Park — This park contains a 1931 Corinthian peristyle, designed by architect J.L. Wees, which resembles a Grecian temple. It hosts summer concerts and events, and holds a monument to the victims of the 1982 tornado.
• —Evergreen Cemetery — Established in 1866, this cemetery is the burial place for many citizens of Paris and Lamar County. It displays stonecutting art, including the "Jesus in Cowboy Boots" monument.
• —Sam Bell Maxey House State Historic Site — This two-story High Victorian Italianate residence was built in 1866–67 for Confederate General and U.S. Senator Sam Bell Maxey. The house, preserved with original furnishings, clothing, and photographs, shows daily life of an upper-middle-class family from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• —Historic Main Street (Downtown Paris) — The downtown area, rebuilt after the 1916 fire, offers a collection of early 20th-century architectural styles. It contains local businesses and the restored 1926 Plaza Theater.
• —Paris Public Library — Built in 1931 by J.J. Culbertson and dedicated to his wife Emily, this library stands on the site of the Culbertson's garden before the 1916 fire.
• —Culbertson Fountain — Made of Italian marble and completed between 1924 and 1927, this fountain in the downtown plaza was a gift from J.J. Culbertson to commemorate the city's rebirth after the 1916 fire.

The best times to visit Paris, Texas, for outdoor activities are from late April to mid-June and from late August to mid-October, with a peak in the third week of September. Temperatures are mild, and rainfall is lower. For hot-weather activities like visiting Pat Mayse Lake or Lake Crook, early June to mid-September is suitable, with July being the warmest month, averaging highs of 96°F.

Avoid July and August if you prefer to avoid intense heat, as the air can be humid. Winters are mild; January is the coldest month with average lows around 33°F. May is the wettest month, with an average of 4.8 inches of rain.

Paris, Texas, is approximately 100 miles northeast of Dallas. The closest major airport is Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). There is no extensive public transportation system within Paris, though the city operates Paris Metro Public Transportation for local needs. A car is generally recommended for exploring the area and reaching all attractions.

For downtown, walking is an option, as many historic sites are concentrated there. Off-street parking is available in Historic Downtown Paris, and most on-street parking has a two-hour limit. Electric vehicle charging stations are at Paris Downtown Community Park. Truck and trailer parking can be reserved in advance through services like Truck Parking Club.