A Walk through Bonham’s Past

Take a leisurely stroll in downtown Bonham and wrap yourself in Bonham’s past with a historic walkabout featuring the people, places, and events associated with nearly two centuries of Texas legend, as it unfolded before the eye’s of Bonham’s citizens!

The Downtown Walkabout features twelve informational plaques affixed to various buildings around the square and just off the square. Learn about Confederate renegade William Quantrill’s escape from confinement in the Fannin County courthouse. Hear the ricocheting bullets of the shootout between suspected Yankee spies and Confederate stalwart Dan Byers.

The road company of "Uncle Tom’s Cabin" found the atmosphere on the stage of the Russell Opera House to be too hot on the eve of Jefferson Davis’ funeral and had to high-tail it out of town sans scenery, costumes, and a paycheck.

The Walkabout brochures and detailed maps are available from merchants around the square and here at the Chamber Office. Share with us in the celebration of our heritage and our excitement, whether you are a visitor...or a citizen who has never done the Walkabout before!

            
Bonham is named in honor of James Butler Bonham, who died defending
the Alamo against the Mexican Army of Santa Anna.

Twice, Bonham slipped through the Mexican lines as he went for help for the beleaguered forces defending the fort. Two times he returned.  

So, our town was named for a hero from South Carolina who came to Texas to support its’ struggle for independence.

                                                                                
                                                                                James Butler Bonham