Historical Marker

Paris Junior College

Marker size: 27" x 42"

Henry P. Mayer, a member of the Paris Independent School District Board of Education, proposed the establishment of a junior college in Paris in 1992. He quickly gained the support of the community, as many leading citizens and local civic organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce, the Lions Club, and the Rotary Club, promoted the junior college movement in Paris. The PARIS MORNING NEWS published favorable ads and editorials, and citizen support was overwhelming. On June 6, 1924, the board of education passed a resolution formally establishing Paris Junior College and approved six areas of study: english, math, history, and foreign languages, education and science.

Plans called for the college to be housed in the renovated post office building downtown, but because work on that structure was delayed, the new institution was housed in a wing of the high school for it's first year. Ninety-one students registered for the first session in september 1924, and the college quickly attained accreditation. Enrollment grew to 424 within a decade. By 1940 Paris Junior College occupied a new campus on the east side of the city, made possible by a bond election, federal works progress administration funds and financial gifts form local citizens. Many students left to serve in the military during World War ll, and the college instituted a number of programs for returning veterans after the war. The school continued to grow in the second half of the 20th Century. With expanded facilities in Paris and satellite campuses in several surrounding counties. Enrollment Topped the 3,000 mark in 1998. As Paris Junior College prepared to enter a new century with service to its students and community

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.

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Texas is known for its love of football, and the state has produced many great football players, including legends like Tom Landry, Earl Campbell, and Vince Young.
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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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