Paris, Texas
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This article is about the city in Northeast Texas. For alternate meanings see: Paris, Texas (disambiguation).
Paris is a city located in Lamar County, Texas situated in East Texas, specifically Northeast Texas, at the western edge of the Piney Woods. Physiographically, these regions are part of the West Gulf Coastal Plain (http://tapestry.usgs.gov/physiogr/physio.html). As of the 2000 census, the population of the city is 25,898. It is the county seat of Lamar County, Texas.
FIPS code 55080
- Location: 33.66664 N, 95.54762 W
- Population (1990): 24699 (11191 housing units)
- Area: 70.4 km² (land), 4.3 km² (water)
- Zip code(s): 75460, 75461, 75462
The city inspired the title of the movie Paris, Texas, although none of its scenes are actually set in Paris, Texas and no scenes were shot there.
Recognizing its connection to Paris, France, the city celebrates Bastille Day every July 14. It has been called the "Second Largest Paris in the World," and to this end even has a duplicate of the Eiffel Tower, which is now capped by a giant red cowboy hat. The current tower is at least the second Eiffel tower built in Paris. The first was constructed of wood, but was destroyed by a tornado.
It is governed by a city council as specified in the city's charter adopted in 1948. It has fewer than 100 police officers, and fewer than 100 fire fighters. It is not in an earthquake zone, as evidenced by its rating as a Risk Zone 1 which is the lowest rating in earthquake potential.
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Historic
Incorporated by the Republic of Texas on February 3, 1845.
In World War II, it was home to Camp Maxey, a U.S. Army Training camp from 1942 to 1945.
Named "Best Small Town in Texas" in 1998 by Kevin Heubusch in his book The New Rating Guide to Life in America's Small Cities.
Geography and Weather
Paris is located at 33°39'45" North, 95°32'52" West (33.662508, -95.547692)Template:GR.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 115.0 km² (44.4 mi²). 110.7 km² (42.8 mi²) of it is land and 4.3 km² (1.7 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 3.74% water.
Paris is located in "Tornado Alley", an area largely centered on the middle of the United States which sees tornados frequently. Paris is located in USDA plant hardiness zone 7b for winter temperatures. This is cooler than its southern neighbor Dallas, Texas, and while similar to Atlanta, Georgia, its warmer summertime temperatures must be accounted for as well. Summertime average highs reach 94 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit in July and August, with associated lows of 72 and 71. Winter temps drop to an average high of 51 and low of 30 in January. The highest temperature on record was 115, set in August of 1836, and the record low was -5 set in 1930. Average precipitation is 47.82 inches. Snow is not unusual, but is by no means predictable, and years can pass with no snowfall at all.
Demographics
As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there are 25,898 people, 10,570 households, and 6,711 families residing in the city. The population density is 233.9/km² (605.7/mi²). There are 11,777 housing units at an average density of 106.4/km² (275.5/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 72.92% White, 22.26% African American, 0.95% Native American, 0.66% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.56% from other races, and 1.63% from two or more races. 4.12% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 10,570 households out of which 29.4% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.7% are married couples living together, 17.0% have a female householder with no husband present, and 36.5% are non-families. 32.5% of all households are made up of individuals and 15.2% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.35 and the average family size is 2.97.
In the city the population is spread out with 25.4% under the age of 18, 10.0% from 18 to 24, 25.8% from 25 to 44, 20.9% from 45 to 64, and 18.0% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 36 years. For every 100 females there are 86.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 80.6 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $27,438, and the median income for a family is $34,916. Males have a median income of $29,378 versus $20,080 for females. The per capita income for the city is $17,137. 20.6% of the population and 16.5% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 29.0% of those under the age of 18 and 15.9% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Economic
In the past, Paris was a major cotton exchange, and while cotton is still farmed on the lands around Paris, it is no longer the economic force that it once was.
Paris has two major hospitals, St. Joseph's Hospital and McCuistion Regional Medical Center, and serves as center for healthcare for much of Northeast Texas and Southeast Oklahoma. Both are now operated jointly under the name of the Paris Regional Health Center (http://www.parisrmc.com/), a division of Essent Healthcare. The health network is the largest employer in the Paris area.
Beyond healthcare, the largest employers are Campbell's Soup, Kimberly-Clark, Sara Lee Bakery, and Philips Lighting.
Education
- The Paris Independent School District (http://www.parisisd.net) comprises eight campuses and provides primary and secondary education for the city.
- Paris Junior College (http://www.parisjc.edu) provides post-secondary education, and hosts the Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology, a well-respected school of gemology, horology, and jewelry.
Attractions
- Pat Mayse Lake (http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fish/infish/lakes/pmayse/lake_id.htm)
- Lake Crook (http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fish/infish/lakes/crook/lake_id.htm)
- Beaver's Bend Resort Park (Oklahoma) (http://www.beaversbend.com/)
- Evergreen Cemetery - Located on the south side of town, there are over 18,000 people interred; it is the home of the infamous 12-foot tall "Jesus with cowboy boots" statue and grave marker.
- Sam Bell Maxey House (http://www.maxeyhouse.com/) - Maxey was a Confederate General.
- Culbertson Fountain
- Bywaters Park
- Pine Branch Daylily Farm (http://www.castlebury.net/daylilies.htm) - Breeding and selling of over 1000 registered varieties.
Famous Parisians
- Gene Stallings - football coach; college (University of Alabama, Texas A&M University), pro (Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, St. Louis Cardinals)
- William Johnson McDonald - Banker, initial donor for the University of Texas at Austin's McDonald Observatory
- General John P. Jumper - Chief of Staff of the Air Force
- Admiral James Richardson - US Navy
External links
- http://www.cityofparistx.com/
- http://www.paristexas.com/
- http://www.theparisnews.com
- Handbook of Texas Online (http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/view/PP/hdp1.html) entry