Paris is located on the Middle Fork of Salt River and was settled mainly by Kentuckians and Virginians. It was founded around 1831 and given its name from Paris, Kentucky. One year later ferry service was established across the river to be replaced 60 years later by a bridge. You can find the Monroe County Historical Museum on the first floor of the Monroe County Courthouse in Paris. This museum’s exhibits display stone tools dating from prehistoric settlement to the early 1800’s; weaponry, farm and home items from early white settlement through the Civil War through the 20th century and prints of Gordon Snidow an internationally acclaimed artist who was born in Paris and is a member of the Cowboy Artists of America. Another noted person from this city is the late Mary Margaret McBride, who was a radio personality and writer for magazines in the 1920’s and 1930’s. The Broughton House, circa 1831, is most likely the oldest building in Paris. It is being restored by its present owners.