Samuel Bell Maxey House State Historic Site
Jurisdiction:
State Antiquities Landmarks (SALs) are designated by the Texas Historical Commission (THC) and receive legal protection under the Antiquities Code of Texas (the Code). The Code defines all cultural resources on non-federal public lands in the State of Texas as eligible to be designated as SALs. Historic buildings and other aboveground historic resources must be listed in the National Register of Historic Places before they can be designated as SALs, but archeological sites do not have the same prerequisite.
SAL designation does not mean that sites or buildings cannot be altered or destroyed. The land-owning agency must consult with the THC about such proposed actions through the permit process, and the THC will determine whether the work will be allowed.
Buildings designated as SALs are listed in the Texas Historic Sites Atlas. However, information about designated archeological sites is not available to the general public to protect the sites from vandalism and destruction.
Texas is known for its barbecue, and one of the most famous barbecue restaurants in the state is Kreuz Market in Lockhart. The restaurant has been in operation since 1900 and is still family-owned.
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