The Sam Rayburn House is located on about 2 acres (0.81 ha) on the south side of Texas Highway 56, on the western outskirts of Bonham.

The facade is three bays wide, with a center entrance framed by sidelight and transom windows, topped by a projecting cornice.

As originally built, the house was smaller and had a hip roof; its present configuration is the result of a major expansion commissioned by Rayburn from Dallas architect W.B.

[5] Rayburn was one of the most influential Congressmen of the first half of the 20th century, serving for 17 years as the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.

He was an important force in maintaining harmony between the northern and southern wings of the Democratic Party, and served as a mentor to future president Lyndon B. Johnson.