Bonham in Fannin County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

On Route of Early Texas Streetcars

Photographed by QuesterMark, July 3, 2026

1. On Route of Early Texas Streetcars Texas Historical Marker

It appears that this marker was refurbished sometime between September 27, 2023 and July 3, 2026.

Inscription. In Bonham - as in most Texas towns that became busy trading ranching or agricultural centers in the late 1800's - streetcars or trolleys were used in local transit Bonham's steam-powered streetcar line built about 1890, extended 2.5 miles from Russell Heights to the Texas & Pacific Railroad Station. Cars ran every 30 minutes. Fare was 5¢ or 10¢ round-trip. The route avoided the business district as streetcars frightened horses and disrupted trading.

Other towns of sprawling growth had mule-drawn streetcars as early as 1875. These early cars were susceptible to track-jumping, collison, and other accidents, but were nevertheless welcomed for their services. Convenient streetcar rides attracted not only townspeople but saddle sore cowboys as well.

By 1890 when Bonham acquired the steam-car line, mule-drawn cars were being replaced all over Texas with steam cars, and soon by electric trolleys. The Bonham line went out of business in 1915. By 1940 all the trolleys were meeting serious challenges from buses and automobiles. Whereas 26 Texas cities were served in 1914 by 550.1 miles of streetcar lines. In 1939 only seven

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of the largest had trolleys, with 237.9 miles of track in operation.

Erected 1967 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 8866.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1890.

Location. 33° 34.963′ N, 96° 10.751′ W. Marker is in Bonham, Texas, in Fannin County. It is at the intersection of North Main Street and West 10th Street, on the left when traveling north on North Main Street. The marker is located on the corner of the intersection. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1001 N Main Street, Bonham TX 75418, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within

On Route of Early Texas Streetcars Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 27, 2023

2. On Route of Early Texas Streetcars Marker

walking distance of this marker: Risser Hospital (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Presbyterian Church U.S. (about 400 feet away); Bonham High School Auditorium and Gymnasium (about 700 feet away); First Baptist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Christian Church of Bonham (approx. 0.2 miles away); First United Methodist Church of Bonham (approx. 0.2 miles away); Carlton College (approx. 0.2 miles away); Trinity Episcopal Church (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bonham.

Also see . . . On Route of Early Texas Streetcars. Fannin County Historical Commission (Submitted on October 7, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The view of the On Route of Early Texas Streetcars Marker from the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 27, 2023

3. The view of the On Route of Early Texas Streetcars Marker from the street

Credits. This page was last revised on August 14, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 4, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 249 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 12, 2026, by QuesterMark of Fort Worth, Texas. 2, 3. submitted on October 4, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.