Have you ever wondered why a city in Texas is named Paris? It seems a bit odd to name a city after the capital of France, doesn’t it?
However, there is an interesting history behind this naming convention that dates back to the mid-19th century. Let’s delve into the story and find out how Paris, Texas got its name.
The Founding of Paris, Texas
Paris was founded in 1844 on the western edge of the Southern United States. The town was initially called “Pin Hook,” but it was renamed “Paris” in 1845 by its founder, George W. Wright. The city’s location on the prairie reminded Wright of his hometown in Paris, Tennessee, and he decided to pay homage to it by naming the new settlement after his hometown.
The Growth of Paris, Texas
In the early years, Paris was a small town with only a few hundred residents. However, when the railroad arrived in 1876, everything changed for this small community. The arrival of rail transportation made it easier for people and goods to travel through town, which led to an increase in commerce and business opportunities.
As Paris grew economically and demographically, so did its reputation as an important regional hub. In addition to becoming a transportation center for Northeast Texas and Southeast Oklahoma, it also became known for its educational institutions such as Paris Junior College.
Paris’s Connection with France
Despite being located thousands of miles away from France geographically, Paris has developed several connections with the European country over time. One such example is the Eiffel Tower replica that stands tall in front of the Lamar County Courthouse. This monument was erected in 1993 as part of a cultural exchange program initiated by local officials.
Another connection between Paris and France is through Sister Cities International – an organization that promotes cultural exchange between cities around the world. Paris, Texas is a sister city to Paris, France, and has been since 1993.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is an interesting history behind the naming of Paris, Texas. The town’s founder named it after his hometown in Tennessee and the name stuck.
Over time, Paris has grown to become a thriving regional hub in Northeast Texas and Southeast Oklahoma. Despite being thousands of miles away from France geographically, Paris shares several cultural connections with the European country through various initiatives such as the Eiffel Tower replica and Sister Cities International.