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Paris, Texas

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Paris is a city and county seat of Lamar County, Texas, United States. Located in Northeast Texas at the western edge of the Piney Woods, the population of the city was 24,171 in 2020.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref> Template:TOC limit

History

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Present-day Lamar County was part of Red River County during the Republic of Texas. By 1840, population growth necessitated the organization of a new county. George Washington Wright, who had served in the Third Congress of the Republic of Texas as a representative from Red River County, was a major proponent of the new county. The Fifth Congress established the new county on December 17, 1840, and named it after Mirabeau B. Lamar,<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> who was the first vice president and the second president of the Republic of Texas.

File:Old map-Paris-1885.jpg
Paris, Texas in 1885

Lamar County was one of the 18 Texas counties that voted against secession on February 23, 1861.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Template:AnchorIn 1877, 1896, and 1916, major fires in the city forced considerable rebuilding. The 1916 fire destroyed almost half the town and caused an estimated $11 million in property damage. The fire ruined most of the central business district and swept through a residential area. The burned structures included the Federal Building and Post Office, the Lamar County Courthouse and Jail, City Hall, most commercial buildings, and several churches.<ref name=1916Fire/>

In 1893, black teenager Henry Smith was accused of murder, tortured, and then burned to death on a scaffold in front of thousands of spectators in Paris.<ref name="nyt.lynch">Template:Cite web</ref> In 1920, two black brothers from the Arthur family were tied to a flagpole and burned to death at the Paris fairgrounds. The city has prominent memorials to the Confederacy.<ref name="nyt.lynch"/>

In 1943, the U.S. Supreme Court in Largent v. Texas struck down a Paris ordinance that prohibited a person from selling or distributing religious publications without first obtaining a city-issued permit. The court ruled that the ordinance abridged freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press in violation of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

File:Paristrains.jpg
Historic Paris train station

Paris is a former railroad center. The Texas and Pacific reached town in 1876; the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway (later merged into the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway) and the Frisco in 1887; the Texas Midland Railroad (later Southern Pacific) in 1894; and the Paris and Mount Pleasant (Pa-Ma Line) in 1910. Paris Union Station, built 1912, served Frisco, Santa Fe, and Texas Midland passenger trains until 1956. Today, the station is used by the Lamar County Chamber of Commerce and serves as the research library for the Lamar County Genealogical Society.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Following a tradition of American cities named "Paris" (named after France's capital), the city commissioned a Template:Convert replica of the Eiffel Tower in 1993 and installed it on site of the Love Civic Center, southeast of the town square. In 1998, presumably as a response to the 1993 construction of a Template:Convert tower in Paris, Tennessee, the city placed a giant red cowboy hat atop its tower. The current Eiffel Tower replica is at least the second one; an earlier replica constructed of wood was destroyed by a tornado.

Race relations

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File:Henry-smith-2-1-1893-paris-tx-2.jpg
Lynching of Henry Smith, Paris Fairgrounds, 1893

Paris has had a white majority with a significant Black minority for most of its history.Template:Citation needed The city is deeply segregated<ref name=Witt/> and race relations in Paris have a bloody history<ref name=Witt2/> and are deeply polarized,<ref name=Witt2/> turbulent,<ref name=Kovach>Template:Cite web</ref> and sometimes explosive.<ref name=Kovach/>

In the late-19th and early-20th centuries, several lynchings were staged at the Paris Fairgrounds as public spectacles, with crowds of white spectators cheering as the African-American victims were tortured and murdered.<ref name="Witt">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="Witt2" /> A Black teenager named Henry Smith was lynched in 1893. His murder was the first lynching in US history that was captured in photographs sold as postcards and other trinkets commemorating the killing.<ref name="Minutaglio">Template:Cite book</ref> Journalist Ida B. Wells said of the incident, "Never in the history of civilization has any Christian people stooped to such shocking brutality and indescribable barbarism as that which characterized the people of Paris, Texas."<ref name="Minutaglio" />

On July 7, 1920 Irving and Herman Arthur were burned alive at the fairgrounds before a crowd of 3,000,<ref>Template:Cite newsTemplate:Cite newsTemplate:Cite news</ref> their charred corpses then being dragged by a convoy of shouting white terrorists through Paris's African-American neighborhood as a warning to the Black community.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

File:1cherryandblackwell.jpg
Local resident and activist Brenda Cherry speaking at the rally for Brandon McClelland, 2009

In 2008, an African-American man, Brandon McClelland, was run over and dragged to death under a vehicle. Two white men were arrested, but the prosecutor cited lack of evidence and declined to press charges, and no serious subsequent attempt to find other perpetrators was made. This caused unrest in the Paris African-American community. Following this incident, an attempt by the United States Department of Justice Community Relations Service to initiate a dialogue between the races in the town<ref name=Abshire>Template:Cite web</ref> ended in failure when African-American complaints were mostly met by silent glares from white community members.<ref name="Witt2" />

A 2009 protest rally over the case led to Texas State Police intervention to prevent groups shouting "white power!" and "black power!" from coming to blows.<ref name="Carlton" /> In response to the incident, civil rights activist Brenda Cherry said "I think we are probably stuck in 1930 right about now".<ref name="McKinley">Template:Cite web</ref> In 2007, a 14-year-old African-American girl was sentenced by a local judge to up to seven years in a youth prison for shoving a hall monitor at Paris High School. Three months earlier, the same judge had sentenced a 14-year-old white girl to probation for arson. This sentencing disparity occasioned nationwide controversy<ref name="Witt4">Template:Cite web</ref> and the African-American girl was released after serving one year on orders of a special conservator appointed by the State of Texas to investigate problems with the state's juvenile-justice practices.<ref name="Witt4" />

In 2009, some African-American workers at the Turner Industries plant in the city claimed that hangman's nooses, Confederate flags, and racist graffiti were regular features of plant culture.<ref name="Witt3">Template:Cite web</ref> At the same time, the United States Department of Education was conducting an investigation into allegations that African-American students in Paris's schools are disciplined more harshly than white students for similar offenses.<ref name="Witt4" />

In 2015, the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ruled after an investigation that African-American workers at the Sara Lee Corporation plant in Paris (closed in 2011)<ref name="Cancino">Template:Cite web</ref> were deliberately exposed disproportionately to asbestos, black mold, and other toxins, and also were targets of racial slurs and racist graffiti.<ref name="NBC5">Template:Cite web</ref>

Some Paris residents downplay the extent to which the town has a race-relations problem.<ref name="Witt" /><ref name="Carlton">Template:Cite web</ref> Judge M. C. Superville commented, "I do not believe there is systematic racial discrimination in Lamar County. I do believe there is a misperception that that is going on".<ref name="McKinley" />

Geography

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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of Template:Convert, of which Template:Convert (3.74%) are covered by water.

Paris is located in "Tornado Alley", an area largely centered in the middle of the United States in which tornadoes occur frequently because of weather patterns and geography. Paris is in USDA plant hardiness zone 8a for winter temperatures. This is cooler than its southern neighbor Dallas, and while similar to Atlanta, Georgia, it has warmer summertime temperatures. Summertime average highs reach Template:Convert in July and August, with associated lows of Template:Convert. Winter temperatures drop to an average high of Template:Convert and low of Template:Convert in January. The highest temperature on record was Template:Convert, set in August 1936, and the record low was Template:Convert, set in 1930. Average precipitation is Template:Convert. Snow is not unusual, but is by no means predictable, and years can pass with no snowfall at all.

On April 2, 1982, Paris was hit by an F4 tornado that destroyed more than 1,500 homes, and left 10 people dead, 170 injured, and 3,000 homeless. The damage toll from this tornado was estimated at US$50 million in 1982.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Climate

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According to the Köppen Climate Classification, Paris has a humid subtropical climate, aCfa on climate maps. The hottest temperature recorded in Paris was Template:Convert in August 1936, while the coldest temperature recorded was Template:Convert in January 1930.<ref name=NOWData/>

Template:Weather box

Demographics

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Template:US Census population

From a 1880 United States census population of 3,980, the population of the city of Paris increased to 25,898 at the 2000 census; in 2020, however, its population declined to 24,171.<ref name=":0" />

In 2010, 25,171 people 10,306 households, and 6,426 families resided in the city.<ref name="GR2" /> The population density was Template:Convert; the 11,883 housing units averaged Template:Convert. of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.2% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 3.01. In the city, the population was distributed as 25.0% under 18, 10.6% from 18 to 24, 24.1% from 25 to 44, 23.8% from 45 to 64, and 16.6% who were 65 or older. The median age was 37.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.3 males. For every 100 females 18 and over, there were 82.9 males.

By 2020, the city had 10,522 households according to the American Community Survey, and 3,549 were married-couple households.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The average household size was 2.29, and the average family size was 2.99. Of its 2020 population, 933 were foreign-born nationals, 18.9% of whom were naturalized U.S. citizens. As of the census estimates, 49.6% of housing units were owner-occupied and 50.4% were renter-occupied.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Paris racial composition as of 2020<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
(NH = Non-Hispanic)Template:Efn
Race Number Percentage
White (NH) 13,853 56.6%
Black or African American (NH) 5,643 23.06%
Native American or Alaska Native (NH) 331 1.35%
Asian (NH) 347 1.42%
Pacific Islander (NH) 19 0.08%
Some other race (NH) 57 0.23%
Mixed/multiracial (NH) 1,318 5.38%
Hispanic or Latino 2,908 11.88%
Total 24,476

In 2010, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the racial makeup of the city was 70.3% white, 24.8% Black and African American, 3.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% Asian, and 4.1% from other races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 8.2% of the population.<ref name="GR2" /> In 2020, its racial and ethnic makeup was 56.6% non-Hispanic White, 23.06% Black and African American, 1.35% Native American, 1.42% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 0.23% some other race, 5.38% multiracial, and 11.88% Hispanic or Latino of any race, reflecting demographic trends of greater diversification.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Economy

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In the past, Paris was a major cotton exchange, and the county was developed as cotton plantations. While cotton is still farmed on the lands around Paris, it is no longer a major part of the economy.

Paris's one major hospital had two campuses: Paris Regional Medical Center South (formerly St. Joseph's Hospital) and Paris Regional Medical Center North (formerly McCuistion Regional Medical Center). It serves as the center of healthcare for much of Northeast Texas and Southeast Oklahoma. Both campuses were operated jointly under the name of the Paris Regional Medical Center, a division of Essent Healthcare. Paris Regional Medical Center South Campus has closed and only the North Campus remains open. The health network is one of the largest employers in the Paris area.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Outside of healthcare, the largest employers are Kimberly-Clark and Campbell Soup.

# Employer Number of employees
1 Essent-PRMC 1000
2 Campbell Soup 900
3 Kimberly-Clark 800
4 Turner Industries 700
5 Paris Independent School District 640
T-6 North Lamar Independent School District 500
T-6 Walmart 500
8 TCIM 480
9 City of Paris 320
10 We-Pack Logistics 300

<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Note: PRMC is Paris Regional Medical Center.

Arts and culture

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File:Culbertson fountain 2010.jpg
The Culbertson Fountain
File:Paris Texas Eiffel.jpg
The 65-foot Paris Eiffel Tower with the red cowboy hat at its summit

The city is home to several late-19th to mid-20th century stately homes. Among these is the Rufus Fenner Scott Mansion, designed by German architect J.L. Wees and constructed in 1910. The structure is solid concrete and steel with four floors. Rufus Scott was a prominent businessman known for shipping, imports, and banking. He was well known by local farmers, who bought aging transport mules from him. The Scott Mansion narrowly survived the fire of 1916. After the fire, Scott brought the architect Wees back to Paris to redesign the historic downtown area.<ref name="ScottMansion" />

Government

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File:Paris July 2015 25 (City Hall).jpg
City Hall in July 2015

Paris is governed by a city council as specified in the city's charter adopted in 1948.

Paris is represented in the Texas Senate by Republican Bryan Hughes, District 1, and in the Texas House of Representatives by Republican Gary VanDeaver, District 1.

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice operates the Paris District Parole Office<ref name=TDCR/>

At the federal level, the two U.S. senators from Texas are Republicans John Cornyn and Ted Cruz. Paris is part of Texas's 4th congressional district, represented by Republican Pat Fallon.

The United States Postal Service operates the Paris Post Office.<ref name=WhitePages/>

Education

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File:Paris July 2015 20 (Paris Public Library).jpg
Paris Public Library in July 2015

Elementary and secondary education is split among these school districts:<ref name=LamarCountySDMap2020>Template:Cite web - Text list</ref>

In addition, Paris Junior College provides postsecondary education. The Texas Education Code specifies that all of the Paris city limits is in the community college's service area. The TEC additionally specifies that areas in Paris ISD and all of Lamar County are in the college's service area.<ref>Texas Education Code, Sec. 130.195. PARIS JUNIOR COLLEGE DISTRICT SERVICE AREA.</ref> It hosts the Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology, a well-respected schoolTemplate:According to whom of gemology, horology, and jewelry. The Industrial Technology Division offers programs in air conditioning technology, refrigeration technology, agricultural technology, drafting and computer-aided design, electronics, electromechanical technology, and welding technology.

Texas A&M University-Commerce, a major university of over 12,000 students, is located in the neighboring city of Commerce, Template:Convert southwest of Paris.

The Paris Public Library serves Paris, as does the Lamar County Genealogical Society Library.<ref name=ParisGov1/>

Infrastructure

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Transportation

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Highways

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Paris is served by four major highways:

According to the Texas Transportation Commission, Paris is the second-largest city in Texas without a four-lane divided highway connecting to an interstate highway within the state.Template:Citation needed However, those traveling north of the city can go into the Midwest on a four-lane thoroughfare via US 271 across the Red River into Oklahoma, and then the Indian Nation Turnpike from Hugo to Interstate 40 at Henryetta, which in turn continues as a free four-lane highway via US 75 to Tulsa.

Mass transit

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For public transit, Paris is served by the Ark-Tex Council of Governments Rural Transit District (TRAX). Local, fixed-route bus service runs hourly on weekdays between 6:30 am and 6:30 pm.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Dubbed the "Paris Metro", Texas Monthly has cited the town as a model for rural transport.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> There is no intercity transit available in Paris. However, intercity bus routes can be accessed in nearby Mount Pleasant and Sulphur Springs. These services are operated by Greyhound<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Trailways.

Rail

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Paris is served by a branch line of the Kiamichi Railroad leading to Hugo, Oklahoma, and is the eastern terminus of a Dallas, Garland and Northeastern Railroad line to Sherman, Texas.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> As of 2024, the rail lines are used for freight haulage only; the city is not served by Amtrak.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Air

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Cox Field provides general aviation services, and is categorized by the Federal Aviation Administration as a Regional airport.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Trails

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Paris is located on the Northeast Texas Trail (NETT), a Template:Cvt hike-and-bike trail from Farmersville, Texas, to New Boston, Texas, which follows a disused railroad right-of-way railbanked by the Union Pacific Railroad and Chaparral Railroad in the 1990s.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Notable people

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Notes

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References

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