Historical Marker

J. W. Harrison & Son

Marker installed: 1987
Marker size: 18" x 28"

John Winn Harrison (1865-1940) came to Paris from Alabama in 1886. Working as a carpenter for several years, he formed a construction company in partnership with Cornelius G. Caviness in the 1890s. Becoming an independent contractor about 1913, he played a major part in rebuilding the city after a disastrous fire in 1916. Barney Harrison (1898-1954) joined his father in business in 1917, and the firm of J. W. Harrison & Son was formed in 1919. The company built many public and private structures in Paris, including homes, schools, the city hall, and the public library

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

design and construction
The University of Texas at Austin, founded in 1883, is one of the largest universities in the United States and has produced many notable alumni, including several U.S. presidents.
Texas random facts
Lamar County, Texas has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Cherokee. European settlement began in the 1830s when Texas was part of Mexico, and a few years later, the region became part of the Republic of Texas.

The county was established in 1841 and named after Mirabeau B. Lamar, the second president of the Republic of Texas. In the mid-19th century, Lamar County became a center for farming and agriculture, with cotton and corn being the primary crops. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further boosted the local economy.

During the American Civil War, Lamar County played a significant role. Many residents joined the Confederate Army, and the county became a key supplier of agricultural goods and troops to the Confederacy. After the war, the economy faced challenges and began diversifying into other industries such as timber and manufacturing.

In the 20th century, Lamar County experienced periods of growth and change. The discovery of oil in nearby counties led to increased economic development, and the county became a hub for the petroleum industry. Today, Lamar County continues to thrive with a strong agricultural base, as well as industries such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing, making it an important part of Texas' history and economy.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Lamar County, Texas.

  • 1840: Lamar County founded and named after Mirabeau Buonaparte Lamar, the second President of the Republic of Texas
  • 1841: First settlement established in the county
  • 1843: County seat designated as Lafayette, later renamed Paris in 1844
  • 1850: Population of the county reaches 3,064
  • 1855: Paris becomes an incorporated town
  • 1861: Lamar County supports secession and joins the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War
  • 1877: The Texas and Pacific Railway reaches Paris, boosting the local economy and population growth
  • 1878: A devastating fire destroys much of downtown Paris
  • 1888: Paris becomes an independent school district
  • 1893: The Sam Bell Maxey House, now a museum, is built in Paris
  • 1922: Paris Junior College is established
  • 1957: Construction begins on the Pat Mayse Lake, providing recreational opportunities for residents
  • 1985: The county courthouse in Paris is added to the National Register of Historic Places
  • 2010: The population of Lamar County reaches 49,793