Red River County, Texas

Settlement of present Red River County began about 1814 when the Anglo-Americans began to move into the region then occupied by the Caddo, Kickapoo, Shawnee and Delaware Indians. Burkham Settlement was founded in 1814 by James Burkham, Posey Benningfield, and others. In 1816, Claiborne Wright made a settlement north of Red River at Pecan Point. Jourdan J. Ward and his three sons crossed the river from Pecan Point to locate in the Riverview area. Jonesboro, founded ca. 1817, became the largest of the early settlements.

As created by the Republic of Texas in 1836, the original county, which extended east and west along the south bank of the Red River approximately three hundred and fifty miles and from north and south fifty to one hundred miles, contained all or parts of thirty-nine present counties. The creation of the other counties between 1836 and 1847, reduced the area of Red River county to its present size.

"Best Small Town In Texas"

Paris, Texas - Located in the Heart of Red River Valley, Paris was founded in 1839 and became the Lamar County seat in 1844. Paris became incorporated in 1845 and has grown to play a major role in Texas economy within Northeast Texas.

Paris is home to numerous beautiful parks to include Bywaters Park, Wade Park, Record Park and Lake Gibbons. Rich in culture and recreation, Paris is also home to Lake Crook and Sam Bell Maxey State Historic Structure and the renowned 'Tour de Paris' bike race held every summer. The Paris Municipal Band, formed in 1923, is the oldest municipal band in Texas. Summer concerts are located in the historic district at Bywaters Park, across from the Paris Public Library.

Paris, Texas is home to the "Second Largest Eiffel Tower in the Second Largest Paris" located at the corner of Jefferson Road and South Collegiate Drive, adjacent to Love Civic Center.