Historical Marker

Old Cemetery of Paris

Historical marker location:
5th Street SW, Paris, Texas
( south of W. Cherry Street, at base of water tower -- about 40 feet west of 5th Street SW)
Marker installed: 1986
Marker size: 27" x 42"

The old city cemetery is located on land once owned by George Washington Wright (1809-1877), founder of the city of Paris. The oldest grave here is said to be that of a free black man who worked for Wright. Although the stone is illegible, the date is thought to be 1845. The oldest legible stone marks the grave of Thomas Wortham (1776-1846).

Site of the primary burial ground for Paris between 1845-1865, the plot was also referred to as Wright's Cemetery. In 1866 the Evergreen Cemetery was begun, called the New Cemetery, and many graves were exhumed and moved there. George W. Wright was buried in the Old Cemetery in 1877. A cemetery association was formed in 1879, and in 1885 Wright heirs deeded the land to its trustees.

In 1922 the cemetery was deeded to the city of Paris and a standpipe was located there for the new Lake Crook Waterworks. The cemetery contains approximately 325 graves. About one hundred markers are intact, and show the majority of burials to have taken place between 1870-1910. Many early community leaders are buried here, and a granite marker honors members of the 9th Texas Infantry, C. S. A., who died in a measles epidemic in 1862.

Texas Sesquicentennial 1836-1986

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.

gravesites
The city of Austin, the state capital, is known as the live music capital of the world. It is home to many music festivals, including South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Austin City Limits Music Festival.
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