Sam Rayburn Library and Museum
Bonham, Fannin County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Speaker Sam Rayburn and Dallas architect Roscoe DeWitt designed this facility to house Sam Rayburn's archives, books and artifacts. Rayburn served Fannin and surrounding counties for more than 55 years as state legislator and U.S. Congressman, including 17 years as Speaker of the House. The library, built in 1955-57, reflects the Classical Revival architecture of federal buildings in Washington, D.C. The steel construction building features a marble façade, copper roof, and Ionic columns supporting an entablature at the main entrance. The building also includes an exact replica of the Speaker's office. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2008
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Speaker Sam Rayburn, who represented this North Texas district for more than 55 years and led the U.S. House for a record 17 of them, planned this facility with Dallas architect Roscoe DeWitt to hold his archives, books and artifacts. Built in 1955–57 in the Classical Revival style of Washington's federal buildings—marble façade, copper roof, Ionic columns—it even contains an exact replica of the Speaker's Capitol office.
Why it matters
It honors one of the most powerful legislators in American history and stands among the earliest congressional libraries built to preserve a lawmaker's legacy.
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Related people
- · Sam Rayburn
- · Roscoe DeWitt
Themes & tags
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