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All the United States Texas Paris Jesus in Cowboy Boots

Jesus in Cowboy Boots

In Paris, Texas, even Jesus wears cowboy boots.

Paris, Texas

Added By
lucrown1
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Willet Babcock’s grave   Carol M. Highsmith / Library of Congress
Willet Babcock’s grave   Carol M. Highsmith / Library of Congress
Yup - sure looks like a cowboy boot   Carol M. Highsmith / Library of Congress
  cait7911 / Atlas Obscura User
  cait7911 / Atlas Obscura User
  Jason Michael Walker / Atlas Obscura User
  espeyraunza / Atlas Obscura User
  espeyraunza / Atlas Obscura User
  cait7911 / Atlas Obscura User
The famous “Jesus in Cowboy Boots” headstone at Evergreen Cemetery in Paris, Texas.   Michael Barera / Atlas Obscura User
  cait7911 / Atlas Obscura User
  cait7911 / Atlas Obscura User
  cait7911 / Atlas Obscura User
  txcristen / Atlas Obscura User
  txcristen / Atlas Obscura User
The famous “Jesus in Cowboy Boots” headstone at Evergreen Cemetery in Paris, Texas.   Michael Barera / Atlas Obscura User
  spiritwolf922 / Atlas Obscura User
  cait7911 / Atlas Obscura User
  Jason Michael Walker / Atlas Obscura User
  Jason Michael Walker / Atlas Obscura User
  Jason Michael Walker / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Out of the 40,000 graves in Evergreen Cemetery, Willet Babcock has just about the tallest memorial. The fifteen-foot height, while certainly impressive, isn’t the most surprising thing about the marker – that would be the cowboy boots.

Babcock wasn’t from Texas. He served as a lieutenant in the Civil War, but being from Ithaca, New York he was on the Union side. A furniture and casket maker by trade, Babcock ended up in Paris, Texas where his factory and downtown store put him squarely in the center of respected Parisians. He was known as a man with a sense of humor, fun and entertainment. His furniture store doubled as the town Opera House, complete with a 1200-seat theater on the second floor. Before he died, in 1881, he ordered himself an impressive memorial from a master-stonecutter, a German immigrant named Gustave Klein, who carved some of the more ornate markers at Evergreen. Along with some typical memorial elements – carved wreaths, a cross, an angelic figure in robes – Babcock gave his final presentation to the world a little Texas twang. The Jesus like figure is sporting cowboy boots.

There is debate about whether it really is Jesus. Some say the face is too feminine (there is no beard) and he (she?) appears to be leaning on the cross rather than carrying it. But whoever the angel in robes was intended to represent, the memorial has long since been dubbed “Jesus in Cowboy Boots”.

You can decide for yourself – the cemetery is on the south side of town, and Babcock’s grave will be easy to spot. There are other interesting graves to see at Evergreen (a reclining bison looks particularly at home), but tread lightly and quietly. The other 39,999 permanent residents are trying to get some rest.  

Related Tags

Gravestones Graveyards Memorials Texas Cemeteries Graves

Know Before You Go

Evergreen Cemetery is on the south side of town, straight down S. Church St or 6th St. SE. Enter at 5th St. SE and the Babcock Memorial will be in the second block on your left. Evergreen asks that you please be respectful of your surroundings when visiting.

Community Contributors

Added By

lucrown1

Edited By

Molly McBride Jacobson, cait7911, Michael Barera, Michelle Cassidy...

  • Molly McBride Jacobson
  • cait7911
  • Michael Barera
  • Michelle Cassidy
  • espeyraunza
  • Jason Michael Walker
  • txcristen
  • spiritwolf922

Published

April 29, 2016

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Sources
  • http://tuisnider.com/2014/07/18/quirky-texas-jesus-in-cowboy-boots/
  • http://www.texasescapes.com/TOWNS/Paris/Evergreen-Cemetery-Jesus-In-Cowboy-Boots.htm
  • http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=6392619
Jesus in Cowboy Boots
Evergreen St and 5th St SE
Paris, Texas, 75460
United States
33.642936, -95.552544
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