Paris in Lamar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
The Paris Fire, 1916
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.
Erected 1976 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 8216.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Notable Events. A significant historical date for this entry is March 21, 1916.
Location. 33° 39.65′ N, 95° 33.41′ W. Marker is in Paris, Texas, in Lamar County. Marker is at the intersection of Grand Avenue (Business U.S. 82) and West Plaza, on the right when traveling west on Grand Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Grand Avenue, Paris TX 75460, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. John James Culbertson (within shouting distance of this marker); Lamar County, C. S. A. (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lamar County Courthouse (about 500 feet away); Paris Fire Department (about 600 feet away); Robert Cooke Buckner (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Baptist Church of Paris (approx. 0.2 miles away); Paris (approx. 0.2 miles away); Paris Public Schools (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Paris.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 6, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 9, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 609 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 9, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.