Historical Marker

Union Station

Historical marker location:
1100 W. Kaufman, Paris, Texas
( Paris, 1100 W. Kaufman)
Marker installed: 2002
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Attempts to bring rail service to Lamar County began in the mid-1800s, but a line did not reach the city of Paris until one was built to the south side of town in 1875. Residents raised money to entice the St. Louis & San Francisco (Frisco) to extend its line to Paris from the north, and the Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe to extend from Galveston from the southeast. The lines met here in 1887. By 1912, five lines served Paris: The Texas & Pacific, the Santa Fe, the Frisco, the Texas Midland, and the Paris & Mount Pleasant.

In addition to small depots serving individual railroads, the city had a wooden Union Station by the early 1900s at this site. In 1910, construction on the present Union Station began, and it opened for business in 1912 serving Frisco, Santa Fe and Texas Midland passenger trains. Segregated waiting rooms served patrons, and the railway express agency occupied the south wing. The architect is unknown, but the Prairie and Italianate style design is similar to others on the Frisco rail line. The building's dark-colored brick is complemented by lighter stone sills and lintels. The tiled, hipped roof features dormers and deep, overhanging eaves with brackets. The 77-foot tower resembles an Italian campanile, or watch tower.

Rail passenger numbers in Paris peaked during World War II due to nearby Camp Maxey, but as automobile usage increased, passenger rail travel declined. The Santa Fe ended service in 1954 and the final Frisco passenger train left Union Station in 1956, but the depot continued to serve freight operations until the late 20th century. In 1997, the Kiamichi Railroad acquired Frisco and Santa Fe interests and donated the depot for restoration to the city of Paris.

Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2003

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 was once an independent country: After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas became its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. It existed as an independent nation for nine years before being annexed by the United States in 1845.
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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