BONHAM, TX -- Former speaker of the house Sam Rayburn was honored in his hometown Monday night. Rayburn was born 126 years ago Monday, so community member met to commemorate the occasion.

Fannin County leaders also dedicated a portion of Hwy 121 as the "Sam Rayburn Memorial Freeway." Hwy 121 from Melissa in Collin County to the Fannin County line is already named for the former lawmaker. This distinction extends the Rayburn name through Fannin County.

"Sam Rayburn, who helped make this nation, will be recognized in one very small way with having his name on the highway," says Patrick Cox, the associate director for the Center for American History at the University of Texas at Austin. The Center operates the Sam Rayburn library and museum.

Officials plan to dedicate two signs along Hwy 121 Tuesday morning.