"Keeweechic's Paris, TX" Paris by keeweechic

Paris Travel Guide: 31 reviews and 42 photos

"The Second Biggest Paris in the World"

Paris was originally known as Pinhook. The first recorded settlement in the area was in 1826 although some settlements were known to be around as early as 1824. The name changed and was named for Paris, France and was on the central national road of the Republic of Texas which ran through Paris to San Antonio from the Red River.

The area was originally a cattle and farming area. The Texas and Pacific railroad reached Paris in 1876 and other railroads later followed. In 1982, Paris was hit by a tornado which destroyed more than 1500 homes and left 3,000 homeless. Nearly $7 million was invested in renovating and updating the downtown area. Both in 1877 and in 1916 major fires almost totally destroyed the town. Rebuilding took place almost immediately both times.

Today Paris is the county seat of Lamar County. It has been voted "Best Public Plaza" by Texas Monthly and "Best Pit Stop" by a Cross-country Auto Race as well being named in 1998 as the "Best Small Town in Texas" by Kevin Heubusch in his book "The New Rating Guide to Life in America's Small Cities." Paris is also the official Crepe Myrtle Capital of Texas. If you visit in July or August you will understand why.

Photos which are taken by myself and all headings are copyright and digitally marked. Please do not use them without permission. Thanks.
(c) keeweechic 2001-2008 (copyright)

Last visit to Paris: Dec 2002
Intro Updated Mar 8, 2008
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Reviews (22)

South Main Depot Things to Do (15)

This was the baggage house for the T & P Depot. It has now turned into a restaurant (The Depot) with homestyle meals and... more travel advice

Annual Events Local Customs (3)

May : Paris Art Festival At the Red River Valley Fairgrounds. Professional artists from 4 states display their art and... more travel advice

The Fires of Paris Favorites (1)

Paris was founded in the mid-1980’s but many of its historic buildings were lost in a fire that destroyed almost half of... more travel advice

The Movie... Paris Texas Local Customs (3)

The movie "Paris, Texas" was banned in the city of Paris, Texas shortly after its box office release in 1984. I'm not... more travel advice

Transportation (1)
Getting There

Nightlife (2)
See All The Plaza Theatre

Travelogues (1)

Written Mar 8, 2008

5 photos

Misc Photos

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Comments (9)

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Toyin Nov 19, 2005 at 11:59 AM

Yes, Paris from a Texan dimension. I was very curious going through this page. Very entertaining.
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bugalugs Nov 13, 2005 at 1:09 PM

An interesting page, and as for Jesus wearing cowboy boots, I dont think he would mind for a minute, he would probably have said 'when in Rome.... or Paris as the case may be' :-)
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LBKesner Jul 26, 2005 at 7:29 AM

I grew up just down the road from Paris, Texas, and enjoyed visiting your pages. Now, I'm homesick!
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Stephen-KarenConn Jul 12, 2005 at 6:48 AM

A fascinating look at the home town of one of my old teen-age girlfriends. And I didn't know before now that Jesus wore cowboy boots - but that doesn't surprise me.
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alza Oct 17, 2003 at 7:41 PM

Cowboys also have a heavy cross to bear! Tough life! LOL. Beautiful mansions in Paris TX, I never imagined it like this. :-)
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XenoHumph Oct 15, 2003 at 8:30 AM

This Paris has been on my Must-See list for a long time, just out of principle as a french exiled in Texas! Hey, I just went to Marathon (town next to Big Bend) and that's where they filmed part of the movie Paris, Texas! Anyway, excellent page as usual!
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dr.firas Oct 13, 2003 at 9:49 AM

Now I'm so ready to go to Paris after learning more about it in your wonderful page...Merci Keewee Beaucoup! :-)))
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Sweetberry1 Oct 4, 2003 at 2:59 AM

Hey girl.. interesting place. I love the tower with the 10,000 gallon hat.. That must have been one HELL of a fire.. Great history content.. ;-)
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yen_2 Oct 1, 2003 at 8:23 PM

Hmmmm...Paris in Texas..looks okey.and they also have a tower..