The History of Downtown Paris

Downtown Paris, Texas has a captivating history. Founded in 1844 by merchant George W. Wright, the town was named after Paris, France. The historic downtown square, known as The Plaza, has been the bustling center of activity for the community. In 1916, a devastating fire swept through downtown, destroying much of the area, but the city rebuilt, preserving its unique character. Bywaters Park features a beautiful 1931 Corinthian peristyle, and the Paris Municipal Band—the longest-performing band in Texas—delights audiences with free summer concerts. The iconic Grand Theatre, built in 1937, once held the title of the largest theater in Lamar County. Today, efforts to restore it continue through the Grand Theatre Project. For more details, visit the official Visit Paris, Texas website.