Bonham, named after Alamo hero and messenger James Butler Bonham, was founded by pioneer Bailey Inglish in March of 1837. The settlement was first called Inglish’s Station or Fort Inglish after the blockhouse and stockade built for the protection of the early settlers. Visitors to Fort Inglish, on W. Sam Rayburn Drive, see what life was like for the early settlers. Surrounding the stockade are three restored 150-year-old log cabins that have been refurbished to represent a blacksmith shop, a frontier cabin and a general store. A cedar log schoolhouse has been recently added.

The Sam Rayburn House Museum, 1-1/2 miles west of Bonham on US82, is the long-time home of Sam Rayburn. A Congressman for 48 years and Speaker of the House of Representatives for 17 years, “Mr. Sam” built the house in 1916 for his parents. The house reflects the comfortable, modest lifestyle of the Rayburn family. Furnishings in the house are original.

The Sam Rayburn Library is a beautiful museum highlighting the long political career of Sam Rayburn, the man who served as Speaker of the House of Representatives longer than any other Speaker has served. One interesting feature is the re-creation of the Speaker’s office in the Capitol with its hand-painted ceiling and a magnificent crystal chandelier given to Mr. Rayburn by his colleagues. The library is east of Ft. Inglish on W. Sam Rayburn Drive.

The restored c.1900 Texas and Pacific Railway depot houses the Fannin County Museum of History which features exhibits on the development of Fannin County from its prehistoric past to the mid-20th century. Special exhibitions of vintage clothing, antique furniture, toys, Indian artifacts, Sulphur River fossils and historic documents are mounted from the museum’s holdings. The museum complex includes the Red River Art Gallery featuring work of area artists as well as special traveling exhibits. The museum is located at Main and 1st Street, three blocks south of the courthouse square.

Two restored Victorian homes house Bed and Breakfast Inns—the Carlton House at 803 N. Main (903/583-2779) and Granny Lou’s at 317 W. Sam Rayburn Dr. (903/583-7912 or 800/997-7912).

Fishing enthusiasts will enjoy Bonham’s two lakes. One mile south on SH78 and east on Farm Road 271, Bonham State Park covers 300 acres with fishing, boating, camping, hiking, picnicking and several mountain bike trails. Lake Bonham, six miles north on Farm Road 898, is open daily with camping, fishing, swimming, boating, par-three golf, a driving range, miniature golf, pavilion rental and skiing on a 1,282-acre lake.

An 8-1/2 mile trip north of Bonham along Farm Road 898 to Ivanhoe will put the visitor in wine country. Signs direct travelers to Homestead Winery where the predominate grape is the premier Cabernet Sauvignon.

For more information:

Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce
110 West First
Bonham, TX 75418
903/583-4811
bonhamchamber@netexas.net
www.netexas.net/bacc