Paris and Lamar Counties were first settled by Americans during the
Republic of Texas period, but their history stretches back into dim
antiquity--as local Indian mounds testify. Although it was never a cow
town, Paris was once home to one of the Old West's most famous cattle
barons. It was never as lawless as other Western towns, but Frank James,
whose brother was the infamous Jesse, at one time called Paris home.
Although Paris has undergone a number of devastating natural and
economic tragedies, its citizens have never given up on themselves or
their city.