Bonham, Texas -- The Bonham Visitor Center is excited to announce that we will be designating Bonham’s section of the historic Jefferson Highway with historic site sign dedications, historic route sign dedications, and sociability rally on Saturday, September 23, 2023.

Three locations will be given Historic Site Signage as they were on the original route, specifically built during and/or for the Jefferson Highway & still standing today - (The Sam Rayburn House, Magnolia Oil Co. Gas Station, & Powder Creek Bridge). Historic Route Signage will also be unveiled throughout the city designating the route. The Kick off for the event will be held at the Bois d’Arc Festival which will be located at 1100 W. 5th St. / Bonham Trade Days Grounds.

The Jefferson Highway was a famous driving route through the central United States, known as the “Pine to Palm Highway” for the trees found at either end. It was America's first north-south intercontinental roadway, built as part of the 1910’s National Auto Trail system and was named for President Thomas Jefferson and inspired by the east-west Lincoln Highway.

In the early 1900s, the people of Bonham, TX played a historic role by getting this highway to come through our town. As quoted from the citizens of Bonham, "May Bonham live a thousand years less a day, for Bonham would not care to be on the map should the Jefferson Highway go some other way." (Jefferson Highway Declaration, January, 1918).

The City of Bonham is celebrating its 175th Anniversary this year (2023). The theme of this year-long celebration is “Remember our Past, Celebrate the Present, & Look to our Future.”

The knowledge of Bonham’s role in the Jefferson Highway falls in direct correlation with our mission statement for the year and preserving our past as we look to celebrate the present and look to our future. A new generation of Bonhamites are very excited to bring the Jefferson Highway route back to life and continue to show the perseverance and pride as was expressed for this driving route over 100 years ago.

We invite you to celebrate with us! Stay tuned for a schedule of the day's events! For more information, please call the Bonham Visitor Center at 903-583-9830 or email info@visitbonham.com.