Paris Things to Do

This house was built in 1968 by a Confederate General, Sam Bell Maxey. Maxey served in the Mexican War and Civil War and was a two-term U.S. Senator. The family lived in the house for almost a century.

There are landscape grounds which have been restored along with the house and is now a State Historic Site.

There are guided tours Wed. - Fri. by appointment. Friday and Sunday, 1:00p.m. - 5:00p.m. Saturday, 10:00a.m. - 5:00p.m. A small admission is charged.

This lovely fountain is a central point in the downtown plaza square. It was donated as a gift to the rebuilding of Paris after the Fire in 1916. Culbertson Fountain is in the Historic District on the Plaza downtown. It was a gift to culminate the rebuilding of Paris after the Fire of 1916.

Hayden Museum of American Art
The Hayden Museum of American Art consists of four galleries, the largest of which houses the permanent collection of graphic art, archival photography, and American chairs. This collection includes examples from every art period and American master painters are generously represented. The pieces are arranged chronologically to present a complete history of the American art scene from Folk Art to Modern and Contemporary. Seminar and Lecture facilities are available as well as an outstanding library. Admission is free but by appointment only.

Wise House
Restored in 1887, this National Registry property is a rare masonry interpretation of late Victorian 'Queen Anne' style architecture. The estate was built for William Bedford Wise, a prominent English cotton merchant. Restoration began in 1997 on the exterior and main floor of the house and carriage house, with a vision to preserve the buildings as they were designed and built. Original colors and materials were used whenever possible, with replacements being chosen to reflect styles of the late 1880's. The home and grounds are available for special events such as weddings, rehearsal dinners, and receptions.

Chisum Burial Site
The 1100 block of West Washington, marks the place where John Chisum, Texas and New Mexico cattle baron, was interred 1884 following his death in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

Eiffel Tower
'Second Largest Eiffel Tower in the Second Largest Paris'
Constructed by the Boiler Makers Local #902 utilizing materials, plant space, and employee time donated by 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.

Evergreen Cemetery
Located on South Church St at Jefferson Road, has been operating since September 26, 1866, and is noted not only for its many carved headstones and monuments, but for its size (approximately 40,000 people interred). Of special note is the renown Babcock monument, a twelve foot statue of 'Jesus' with cowboy boots.

Sam Bell Maxey House
Historic home of Confederate General Sam Bell Maxey. Restored by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, this home is open to the public, Friday and Sunday, 1-5 pm; Saturday 10-5 pm; Wednesday and Thursday call for appointment. Admission is $2.00 for adults and $1.00 for children.