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Downtown Sherman has a history rich with intrigue and diversity. The town of Sherman was created through a legislative act on March 17, 1846 establishing Grayson County and designating the city of Sherman as its County Seat. A log courthouse was constructed and the community rapidly grew into a successful merchandising center. In 1848 the town was relocated three miles east to its present location. By 1852, 400 people lived in Sherman, which “consisted of a row of clapboard business buildings along the East side of the public square,” and, among other things, two saloons, a district clerk’s office, a doctor’s office and a church.
Early Sherman was not without it’s strife. The western frontier town developed quite a reputation and was nicknamed “Helldorado on the Cross Timbers” often hosting the likes of outlaw bandits like Jesse James and William Quantrill. Despite the lawlessness and depression following the Civil War, Sherman continued to prosper and by the late 1860’s was home to dry goods stores, warehouses, grocery stores, law offices, a newspaper, churches and schools.
Two fires in 1875 destroyed all of the buildings south of Sherman’s city square and all but two buildings east of the square. As a result, a large part of the city was rebuilt. A new courthouse was constructed on the current site in 1876. That courthouse was destroyed during the Sherman riot of 1930 and the current courthouse was constructed in 1936 and still houses a number of county offices and agencies today.
The Downtown area continued to grow and prosper, as did the city of Sherman. As all downtowns, Downtown Sherman saw a decline in retail with the onset of shopping malls and strip centers in the late sixties through the eighties and early ninety’s. However, as the county seat and home to a district court, the Downtown area has always remained active.
The new millennium has brought life to downtowns across the country as people desire to return to a time when life was less complex. With the joint efforts of the City of Sherman, the Sherman Department of Tourism, the Sherman Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Sherman Preservation and Revitalization (DSP&R) and many, many volunteers, Downtown Sherman has begun to feel that resurgence of life. While Downtown Sherman is still home to county government, it is now home to a host of other offerings. Sherman is known today as “The Gateway to Lake Texoma” and enjoys substantial tourism, much of which is focused around the Downtown and central business district area.
In addition to the numerous retail shops, restaurants, personal services and professional offices, the central business district is also now “home” to many Sherman residents as Downtown living options continue to grow. Sherman has garnered a reputation as being a city of great opportunity for the arts, music, and theatre. The Sherman Symphony, part of Austin College’s Community Series, presents various programs during the year, featuring world-renowned pianists, all-orchestral programs and choirs from area universities. If you enjoy outdoor concerts, you won’t want to miss Hot Summer Nights every Thursday evening during the months of June and July. Sherman also boasts a wonderful Community Theatre, and the beautifully restored Kidd-Key Auditorium, which is a marvelous performing arts venue for the entire county.
For a town that started with a nickname like Helldorado, Sherman has grown into a beautiful community respected far and wide for its cultural and educational opportunities. We know that you will enjoy discovering the “Red River, White Stars, Blue Sky!” Being just one hour north of Dallas on Hwy. 75, Sherman is close enough to get there yet far enough to get away. The “Retroplex” of North Texas…enjoy all the comforts of the country with city sophistication. And remember…it’s hip on our square!
For more information about downtown Sherman, please contact April Patterson, Director of the Sherman Dept. of Tourism, at 903.957.0310, or visit www.downtownsherman.com.
*All historical information courtesy of the Texas State Historical Association. For more information on the history of Sherman, Grayson County, or the State of Texas, visit www.tshaonline.org.
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