National Register Listing

Rayburn, Sam, Library and Museum

800 W. Sam Rayburn Dr., Bonham, TX
The 1957 Sam Rayburn Library and Museum in Bonham, Fannin County, Texas, was built to house the Speaker of the House's books, papers, and political artifacts, and also to provide his constituents a place where they could go to read, meditate, visit, and rest. The Sam Rayburn Library and Museum meets Criterion B, at the national level of significance, in the Area of Politics, for its association with a political figure of outstanding importance, Samuel Taliaferro Rayburn, who served 24 terms in congress and was the longest-standing Speaker of the House. Throughout his congressional tenure, Rayburn traveled from Washington, D.C., to Fannin County to relax at his house (NRHP 1972, NHL 1976), meet with his constituents, and work on his farm or nearby 900-acre ranch. The library served as the local office to Rayburn from 1957 until his death in 1961. The building also meets criterion in the Area of Architecture at the local level of significance as the most prominent and finest example of a Classical Revival public building in Fannin County, designed by Roscoe DeWitt and constructed by the Carpenter Brothers. The building meets Criterion Consideration (Properties that Have Achieved Significance within the Last Fifty Years) because it is associated with the productive life (albeit late in his career) of an exceptionally important statesman, and it represents his acute interest in establishing a permanent cultural legacy in his hometown.
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2005.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

politics government architecture library
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
Texas was once a part of Mexico but gained independence in 1836 after a famous battle at the Alamo.
Texas random facts
Fannin County, Texas is located in the northeastern part of the state and has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The county was established in 1837 and was named after James Fannin, a prominent figure in Texas's fight for independence from Mexico. The area was originally home to Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Choctaw, before European settlers began to venture into the region.

During the Texas Revolution in 1836, Fannin County played a significant role in the struggle for independence. The Battle of Village Creek took place in the county, where Texian troops clashed with Mexican forces. Although the Texians won the battle, the conflict ultimately led to the massacre of James Fannin and his men at Goliad. This event became a rallying cry for Texan independence and solidarity.

In the following years, Fannin County experienced rapid growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the 1870s expanded trade and transportation, leading to increased prosperity. Agriculture became the backbone of the county's economy, with cotton, corn, and cattle production taking center stage. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century further contributed to the region's economic growth.

Throughout its history, Fannin County has faced challenges, including natural disasters such as devastating floods in the late 1800s and early 1900s. However, the resilient community has always managed to recover and rebuild. Today, Fannin County is a thriving area, known for its rich history, charming small towns, and agricultural heritage.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Fannin County, Texas.

  • 1836: Fannin County is established as a county of Texas.
  • 1837: The county's first courthouse is constructed in the town of Warren.
  • 1839: The county seat is moved to the town of Bois d'Arc.
  • 1843: The county seat is relocated again, this time to Bonham.
  • 1845: Texas becomes a state, and Fannin County is officially recognized as part of the state.
  • 1858: Construction of a new courthouse in Bonham is completed.
  • 1861-1865: Fannin County experiences the impact of the American Civil War.
  • 1872: The first railroad is completed in the county, boosting economic growth.
  • 1886: A devastating fire destroys much of downtown Bonham, resulting in a significant rebuilding effort.
  • 1896: The Texas State Normal College is established in Bonham, later renamed Texas A&M University-Commerce.
  • 1905: Construction of a new courthouse in Bonham is completed.
  • 1930s: Fannin County experiences an economic decline during the Great Depression.
  • 1940s-1950s: Fannin County sees growth and development due to World War II and the subsequent post-war economic boom.
  • 1994: The county's current courthouse, a historic and architectural landmark, is added to the National Register of Historic Places.