The 28th in a series of articles
for the 175th Anniversary of Bonham

Bonham, Texas -- Bonham State Park was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). For decades it was a wonderful playground for the citizens of Bonham and Fannin County. Today it is still enjoyed by local residents and draws tourists to Fannin County.

The CCC was a federal work relief program. Young men and veterans were given jobs on public works projects. The Bonham CCC camp was located at approximately the same place where General Cable was later located.

Bonham State Park was created out of land given to the Texas State Park Board by the City of Bonham. On December 11, 1933, the CCC, using picks and shovels, began construction of an earthen dam at the Bonham site. Power tools came soon. The sixty-five acre lake was to be the major recreational resource of the park.

Crews worked a minimum of twelve hours per day. The limestone for the main buildings was quarried locally. Picnic areas, horse trails and hiking trails were built.

Congressman Sam Rayburn made numerous visits to the Park during construction.

Up to the mid or late 1970s, Bonham State Park was the area’s primary day-use recreation destination, particularly for young people who swam, played miniature golf, danced and congregated in and around the day-use area. Families gathered for reunions and fishermen enjoyed the lake.

Overnight camping was introduced in early 1950s.

Bonham State Park remains a wonderful venue for swimming, boating, fishing, hiking and bird watching for local residents and visitors.