St. Joseph's Hospital
In 1911 the Catholic bishop of Dallas, Joseph Patrick Lynch (1872-1954), beseeched the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word to administer St. Joseph's Infirmary in Paris. The congregation, based in San Antonio and experienced in hospital care, dispatched six Sisters by train.
They arrived in Paris in August, and began refurbishing the 2-story, 16-room frame infirmary on this site. The building had been converted about 1908 from St. Patrick's Academy (established in 1898), but was later abandoned.
The Sisters' first patient was admitted on October 1, 1911. Within three years Bishop Lynch dedicated a new 4-story brick infirmary here. When much of Paris was consumed by fire on March 21, 1916, St. Joseph's survived with its own power and light plant. Doctors' offices and school classes were welcomed in the infirmary.
World War II ended the Depression and brought an army camp to Paris, with St. Joseph's serving the military and dependents who arrived. The 1914 building and hospital services were expanded during and after the war, directly supporting the economic growth of Paris.
In 1963 a campaign was launched by the congregation and local supporters to build a new hospital, dedicated here in 1968. The facility and services have been frequently expanded to serve a large surrounding region.
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.
Texas was once a part of Mexico but gained independence in 1836 after a famous battle at the Alamo.
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.
Lamar County Timeline
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