BONHAM

Population 6,786

Altitude 568

General

Seat of Fannin County in an area of Blackland Prairie south of the Red River that marks boundary between Texas and Oklahoma. The name and statue on courthouse square honor James Butler Bonham who died at the Alamo.

Three small lakes at nearby Caddo national Grasslands are open for visitors year round. lake Davy Crockett and Coffee Mill Lake offer camping, boating, and fishing. Lake Fannin offers boating and fishing.

Attractions

BONHAM STATE PARK - 300 acres set on rolling, wooded site less than four miles from Bonham. Individual and group camping facilities; small lake offers fishing, swimming, and boating. Also bathhouse, snack bar (summer operation), miniature golf course, playground, and pedal-boat rentals. Access via Texas 78 south, F.M. 271. Admission.
FANNIN COUNTY MUSEUM - Pioneer, local, and regional history exhibits in restored 1900 Texas and Pacific Railroad Depot. Nine rooms of antique furniture, tools, vintage clothing, art, Indian artifacts, railroad memorabilia, photographs, and historical documents and records. Open Tues. - Sat. noon to 4 p.m. Sept. - March; Tues. - Sat. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., April - Aug. One Main Street; phone 903-583-8042.
FORT INGLISH PARK - Replica of log blockhouse and stockade built by Bailey Inglish in 1837; nucleus of homesteads that became town of Bonham; also three original, restored log cabins; pioneer furnishings and artifacts. Open April to September 1, Tues. - Fri. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sat. and sun. 1 to 5 p.m. West Sam Rayburn Drive. 903-583-3441.
SAM RAYBURN HOUSE - Home of the late "Mister Sam," who served as speaker of the U.S House of Representatives longer than any other in American history. Built in 1916 and restored in 1961 to original condition. Original furniture, china, and personal effects. Hourly tours Tues. - Fri. 10 a.m. to noon, 1 to 5 p.m.; Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. Reservations required for group tours; 903-583-5558. U.S. 82, 1.5 miles west of the city.
SAM RAYBURN LIBRARY - Elegant structure of white Georgia marble; the library contains the exact duplicate of Speaker Rayburn's U.S. Capitol Office, from the pattern on the tile floor to the barrel-vaulted ceiling. Over the desk is a crystal chandelier, more than a century old, which hung in both the White House, and the Capitol. Other mementos include many gavels used on historic occasion, and 2,500 year old Grecian urn given by Athens Palace Guard in appreciation for American economic air. Open Mon. to Fri. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sat. 1 to 5 p.m.; Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. On 4.3 acre tract along U.S. 82 four blocks west of downtown; 903-583-2455.

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