| Lamar County Landmarks and History |
| Eiffel
Tower of Paris Texas This Eiffel Tower, standing 65 feet tall, represents a remarkable community effort. It was constructed by the Boiler Makers Local #902 utilizing materials, plant space, and employee time donated by the Babcock & Wilcox Company. The tower stands as the impetus for Paris being designated "1995 Best Pit Stop" by the Great North American Race. It was "Texanized" with a cowboy hat in 1998. |
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| The
Gibraltar Hotel was once Paris’ shining glory, a testament to its growth. Built in 1915 by Richard H. Blyth, Edward Buford Norment and B.P. Bailey, it accommodated passengers on the St. Louis-Dallas rail line – a time when towns had street cars and real train service. Though damaged in the 1916 fire, the owners were optimistic enough to add a seventh story upon restoration. But like most downtown hotels, it fell out of favor with the traveling public, who wanted their lodgings close and convenient to the highways. |
 1920 postcard courtesy of Rootsweb.com |
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The hotel has had numerous owners since then, and has stood empty sentry over downtown since the late 1970s. Gutted and in various states of decay, the hotel has lost much of its past beauty. In 2004, Don “Pinky” Wilson, a local businessman, took ownership and intends to make the old building into a senior center and condominium complex. Hope springs eternal… |
The
Paris Fire of 1916
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 The Lamar County Courthouse before the 1916 fire. |
 The Lamar County Courthouse 1917-present |
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