With the shadow of the Metroplex covering a larger portion of North Texas every year, the possibilities for progress in Fannin County are almost boundless. 

The possibilities for the section of abandoned railroad track between Bonham and Paris, Texas are almost boundless, too.

The long-term vision of the Fannin County Rural Rail District is to make this section of the track useful to industry and tourists alike.  Just over 138 years after trains first transported people and commerce in and out of Fannin County, grain, fertilizer and even families on a weekend outing may very well roll down these tracks again.

While often overlooked, tourism is one of the largest industries in Texas and a scenic, historic railroad just an hour's drive north of the Metroplex has staggering potential.  While this stretch of track won't ever be confused with the world famous tourist railroad between Silverton and Durango, Colorado, don't underestimate how much this section of Fannin County has to offer travelers that want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a peaceful afternoon or a weekend.

Riding the rails through Fannin County would also mean taking a ride back through the history of North Texas and what better place to start than at one of the premier small-town museums in Texas, the Fannin County Museum of History.  This museum is housed in a former Texas & Pacific depot constructed in 1900.  This depot serviced passenger trains until 1950 and the Fannin County Museum of History took over this historical building in 1987.

Former Texas & Pacific Railroad depot that now houses the Fannin County Museum of History

The first mile down the track would take modern-day train passengers back to the 1700s.  French fur trappers named the first stream the train would cross over Bois d'Arc Creek because of the unique trees that grew in this area from which Caddo Indians made their legendary bows.  Word spread as far as Europe about the dye made from bois d'arc trees and straight "blanks" of this remarkable wood are still coveted by woodsmiths around the world, only now they are sold over the internet instead of being carried in backpacks and canoes to trade for valuable goods throughout the region. 

Just beyond Bois d'Arc Creek is an area that could be a picturesque example of wetland conservation with native plants and waterfowl.

Cotton was king through this area once and agriculture still plays a vital role in North Texas.  Travelers would see examples of fine farmland through the native plum trees that would be a photographer's delight in the spring. 

All too quickly, the train could pull into the station in Honey Grove and allow the travelers to stretch their legs by taking in one of the most scenic squares in the area.  Limestone buildings and red brick streets would offer a welcome relief and hectic city traffic would seem a century away from this peaceful town that prides itself in being "the sweetest town in Texas." 

Erwin E. Smith

Honey Grove was also the birthplace of the Erwin E. Smith, a renowned photographer that excelled at capturing authentic glimpses of the American West and a gallery to celebrate the genius of this local artist would be an education in American history as well as the evolution of photography. 

Or, perhaps some travelers would choose to get off in Windom, enjoy fine dining at the Feed Sack Restaurant, and then catch the train on the return trip to the depot and Fannin County Museum of History in Bonham.  

Former museum curator, the late Tom Scott, did much to preserve the memory of Bonham native Charlie Christian and the Fannin County Museum of History has an exhibit that details the meteoric rise of this phenominal jazz guitarist.  

Charlie Christian exhibit at Fannin County Museum of History

Christian was born just a few blocks west of the museum.

Side trips to Texoma Winery or Homestead Winery could be followed by an hour on a quiet hiking trail at Bonham State Park. 

Sunset would mean taking in dinner at one of the popular, local restaurants and then it would be time to retire to one of the fascinating local B&Bs.

Of course, that is all in the future.  For now the railroad track is covered in wild berries with blooms that seem to attract butterflies for photographers that enjoy a walk in solitude.  A monarch even makes an appearance.  Ducks make a distinctive "v" as they paddle up Bois d'Arc Creek at the first sign of danger.  Cardinals and other songbirds provide the background music.

No, this isn't Colorado and this sure ain't the Rockies.  But it ain't bad, either.