[5] The town was laid out in 1831 by Abernathy, James C. Fox, Hightower F. Hackney, and E. W. McBride.

The church was built in a Gothic style of brick with four rooms at a cost of $11,000 (equivalent to $335,720 in 2023).

[8] The Paris Male Academy and Union Covered Bridge are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

US 24 Business passes through the center of town, partly along Main Street.

Missouri Route 15 passes through the center of Paris on Main Street, leading north 17 miles (27 km) to Shelbina and south 26 miles (42 km) to the city of Mexico.

Missouri Route 154 leads east from Paris 19 miles (31 km) to Perry.

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters.

36.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 21.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

36.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 22.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.