Notable History

Sam Rayburn, the Longest-Serving House Speaker, Lived in Bonham

Sam Rayburn of Bonham served as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and his home and library are open to visitors in Bonham today.

Fannin County History & Culture

Samuel T. Rayburn lived in Bonham for most of his life. He served as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1940 to 1961, with some interruptions when Democrats were in the minority. He shaped major legislation during World War II and the postwar era.

The Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site preserves his home in Bonham and is managed by the Texas Historical Commission. The Sam Rayburn Library and Museum is nearby and is operated by the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History at the University of Texas at Austin. If you are new to the area, these sites give real context for why Bonham carries political weight in Texas history.

Source to confirm: City of Bonham — Fannin County History

More Fannin County notes

Property Tax

Fannin County Has Two Separate Tax Offices

The appraisal district sets your property value, but a separate tax assessor-collector office handles registration and some other duties — and in Fannin County, the tax assessor does not collect property taxes.

Read note ->

Homestead Exemption

Apply for Your Homestead Exemption at the Fannin CAD

If you own and live in your home in Fannin County, you can apply for a homestead exemption that lowers your taxable property value.

Read note ->

Agricultural Valuation

Farm and Ranch Land Can Qualify for Lower Taxes in Fannin County

Land used for farming, ranching, or other qualifying agriculture can be taxed on its productive value rather than its market value, which is often much lower.

Read note ->

New Lake

Bois d'Arc Lake Is Texas's Newest Major Reservoir

Bois d'Arc Lake opened to the public in April 2024 and sits northeast of Bonham — it is the first major new reservoir built in Texas in more than 30 years.

Read note ->