Paris in Lamar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Origin of 1896 Paris Fire

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 2, 2026

1. Origin of 1896 Paris Fire Marker

Inscription. Joseph Keyes (J.K) Bywaters (1849-1916) constructed a three-story brick building consisting of offices and bedrooms on this site in August 1881. Around two in the morning on April 28, 1896, the third largest Paris fire began on the southwest corner and second floor of the Bywaters building. Thought to have begun from a knocked over coal lamp and bottle of whiskey, the fire spread north to two brick buildings and west to M.F. Allen & Company's warehouse. It then overtook the Peterson Hotel, Carter Saloon, Conner Building and Murphy's Drug Store on the south side of the downtown square. Bywaters built a two- story building on the site in 1899 only for it to be destroyed by fire in 1916.

Erected 2021 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 23263.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Disasters. A significant historical date for this entry is April 28, 1896.

Location. 33° 39.606′ N, 95° 33.386′ W. Marker is in Paris, Texas, in Lamar County. It is at the intersection of South Main Street and West Kaufman Street, on the right when traveling south on South Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 128 S Main St, Paris TX 75460, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South

and in the Piney Woods.

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 walking distance of this marker: First Coca-Cola Served in Texas (within shouting

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distance of this marker); The Paris Fire, 1916 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); William J. McDonald (about 300 feet away); Paris Fire Department (about 400 feet away); John James Culbertson (about 400 feet away); Gibraltar Hotel (about 500 feet away); First Baptist Church of Paris (about 600 feet away); Robert Cooke Buckner (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Paris.

Another marker is no longer nearby. First National Bank of Paris (was about 600 feet away but has been confirmed missing).

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 2, 2026

2. Origin of 1896 Paris Fire Marker

Marker can be seen on the wall behind the streetlight.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 3, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 31, 2026, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 3 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 31, 2026, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.