What to do in Texarkana
State Line Post Office and Federal Building, 500 State Line Avenue
The Federal Building in the downtown area of Texarkana is the home
of one of the most unique post offices in America, because it is located
in both Texas and Arkansas. One half of the building is in Texas and one
half is in Arkansas. The post office has two zip codes, 71854 for
Texarkana, Arkansas and 75501 for Texarkana Texas. Built in 1932-33 the
structure features a base of pink granite from Texas and walls of
limestone from Arkansas.
Photographer's Island at the State Line Post Office
Photographer's Island,
located in front of the Post Office, has long been a favorite point of interest for
visitors who delight in capturing a unique photo opportunity of standing in two states
at once. The photo opportunity is such that the photo may use the post office
building as the background of reverse the direction and State Line Avenue is in the
background.
Scott Joplin Mural
Located on the south wall of the building at
311 Main near the Perot Theatre. Joplin, a Texarkana native, is known
as the King of Ragtime Composers. This colorful, outdoor mural
depicts the life and accomplishments of the Pulitzer Prize winning
composer and features accurate musical notes of the final measures
of Joplin's famous song, The Entertainer. This catchy tune stirred a
revival of interest in ragtime music.
Bi-State Justice Center
There's only one facility like this in the world. Because of its
unique positioning at 100 N. State Line Avenue in downtown Texarkana, it
sits in two states, two cities, and two counties. This building is home
to over 20 city, county and state judicial and law enforcement agencies
for the two states of Arkansas and Texas. Special legislation by both
states created an exceptional legal jurisdiction applicable only inside
the building. Functions for one state, county, or city may be legally
performed in the offices of the other. For example, an Arkansas judge
may hold court in a courtroom which is physically located in Texas. And
vice versa. For tour information, call 903-798-3000.
Regional Arts Center
Built in 1909 on the corner of 4th and Texas Blvd., it originally
housed the Federal Courts for Texas that could not use the old post
office building because courtrooms there were on the Arkansas side.
Features include ornate plaster, a copper cage elevator, and a grand
hall with a 26 foot ceiling. The building is an example of Classical
Revival architecture and is built of limestone and ornamental iron.
Today the Center serves as the focal point for the visual arts and
houses the only art museum in the region featuring national touring,
juried and invitational exhibitions. The year-round programming also
includes classes, lectures, workshops, film series and tours. For
further information call TRAHC, 903-792-8681.
Historic Perot Theatre
Located at 219 Main Street, downtown Texarkana. Originally part of
the Saenger Amusement chain, the theatre first opened in 1924. Its
Italian Renaissance style has been preserved and the facility is now a
favorite of performing artists from all over the world. From September
through May, the Perot Theatre is home to one of the nation's major
performing arts series presented by the Texarkana Regional Arts and
Humanities Council, TRAHC. For ticket and event information go to
www.texarkanatickets.com or call 903-792-4992. To schedule a tour, call
TRAHC, 903-792-8681. This photo of the Orchestra and Balcony Boxes shows
the beauty of the plaster and design features that adorn this beautiful
theatre. The theatre is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Golf & Kart World and Batting Center
3 miles north of I-30 on State Line Avenue. Two exciting raceways,
two beautiful miniature golf courses, and batting cages. Open Monday -
Thursday, 10 am - 10:30 pm, Friday and Saturday, 10 am - 11:30 pm; and
Sunday, 1 pm - 10:30 pm. Call 903-793-8603 for more information.
MUSEUMS
Ace of Clubs House
420 Pine Street, 903-793-4831 Admission: Adults-$5, Students-$3.50,
Senior citizens-$4.50, children under 5-Free . Group tour rates and
guided tours are available. The Ace of Clubs is a uniquely designed
house built in 1885. Legend has it that entrepreneur James H. Draughon
built the 22 sided house with the winnings from a poker game and that
the winning card was the Ace of Clubs. Each room represents a specific
period in the history of the house and reveals interesting insights into
the life-style of the families who lived there. Open Tuesday - Saturday,
10 am to 4 pm.
Museum of Regional History
219 State Line Ave., 903-793-4831 Admission: Adults $2, Students
$1, Senior Citizens $1.50, Children under five Free. Located in the
oldest brick building in Texarkana, the Historical Museum offers a wide
range of exhibits. Visitors will enjoy the Victorian Parlor; Grandma's
Kitchen; and replicas of a Doctor's Office, an 1890's Farmstead model;
and other displays depicting the early history of Texarkana. There is
also an exhibit that focuses on the Caddo Indians that lived in the area
and includes Caddo pottery, tools, and other artifacts. The Museum is
open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm.
Discovery Place Museum
215 Pine Street, 903-793-4831 Admission: $4 per person, children
under five Free. Children and adults will have fun looking into the past
and future while visiting this unique museum. Large scale hands-on and
permanent exhibits focusing on science, history and human perception are
regular features. Visitors enjoy a state-of-the-art theatre where
learning comes alive through lectures, lab demonstrations and
audio-visual presentations. Open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm.
GOLF COURSES
Northridge Country Club
120 Bill Rogers Road 903-794-6196 18 hole private golf course with
reciprocal agreement, pro-shop and lessons. Golf cart rental is
available.
Oak Grove Golf Club
One Oak Grove Drive (just inside the main gate to Red River Army
Depot) on US Highway 82 West of Texarkana) 903 223-8402 18 hole public
golf course with pro-shop and lessons. Golf cart rental available.
South Haven Golf Club
Line Ferry Road 870-774-5771 18 hole public golf course with
pro-shop and lessons. Golf cart rental is available.
Texarkana Country Club
Forrest & Ferguson Streets 870-772-8221 18 hole private golf course
with reciprocal agreement, pro-shop and lessons. Golf cart rental is
available.
TOURS
Trail of Two Cities Tour
For an information brochure contact the Texarkana Chamber of
Commerce, 819 State Line Ave. 903-792-7191. The tour begins at the Post
Office and Photographer's Island on State Line Avenue and covers 10
attractions in less than 10 blocks: The Ace of Clubs House, Texarkana
Historical Museum, Discovery Place Museum, Historic Union Station,
Bi-State Justice Center, Regional Arts Center, the Perot Theatre, Scott
Joplin Mural, the Confederate Memorial, and the Korea/Vietnam War
Memorial. All are interesting stops on the Trail of Two Cities tour.
LAKES
Lake Wright Patman
U.S. Highway 59 South, 903-838-8781, South of Texarkana on U.S.
Hwy. 59. Activities include camping, picnicking, fishing (catfish,
crappie, perch, bass), hiking, nature trails, boating (boat ramps),
canoeing, swimming, bird watching, etc.
Millwood Lake
U.S. Highway 71 North to Ashdown, AR, 870-898-2800. Located north
of Texarkana on U.S. Hwy. 71. Activities include camping, picnicking,
fishing (catfish, bass, crappie, bream), hiking, nature trails, boating
(boat ramps), and bird watching.
PARKS
Spring Lake Park
Spring Lake Park Road Activities include picnicking, 3 covered
pavilions, tennis courts, baseball complex, soccer field, disc golf,
outdoor swimming pool, children's playgrounds, fishing, ducks, walking
paths and bird watching. Has handicapped playground equipment.
Loop 245 Park
Loop 245 in Texarkana, across from Four States Fairgrounds,
870-774-3161 Activities include picnicking, hiking, bird watching and
children's playgrounds. Pavilions, pond.
Millwood State Park
Located northeast of Ashdown, AR on Highway 32, 870-898-2800
Activities include hiking, picnicking, nature trails, boating, swimming,
bird watching and fishing (catfish, bass, bream, crappie).
Atlanta State Park
South of Texarkana off U.S. Hwy. 59 South, 903-796-5706 Beautiful
park on Lake Wright Patman offers the following activities: camping,
picnicking, hiking, nature trails, boating, swimming, fishing (perch,
bass, crappie, catfish), and bird watching.
HISTORICAL SITES
Union Station
101 W. Front St. Union Station in downtown Texarkana sits
diagonally across the Arkansas-Texas state line. Because of this
positioning, there are entrance and exit doors in either state. Another
unique feature is a built-in seam which allows the building to grow.
Between winter and summer, Union Station varies as much as eight inches
in length. This railroad depot was built in 1929.
Mansion on Main
802 Main St. 903-792-1835 The mansion, which is one of three "Texas
Medallion" recipients in Texarkana, is officially listed on the state
historical marker as the Moore-Burke-Ragland Home and was built in 1895.
Its features include beautiful, authentic furnishings, a parquet floor,
porches and balconies. There are 5 rooms upstairs and a two-room suite
downstairs. Tours by appointment.
Augustus Garrison Historical Home (Garrison-McLain Home)
600 Pecan Built in 1895 and listed on National Register of
Historical Places. The home is a Late Victorian, Queen Anne style with
gingerbread trim. The home is available for tours and a variety of
special events such as receptions, meetings, weddings, and showers. For
information call (870) 772-0449.
The Little Victorian House
1920 Magnolia Street The Little Victorian House, originally the
Earl-Rochelle Home, was built circa 1896 for a businessman and gambler
named William Earl. It was paid for in cash in the amount of $2500 that
Mr. Earl won gambling. He and his family in the house until his death in
1921. Today the rooms of this historic home are filled with unique gifts
and home decor items, everything from Victorian to Western. The house
proudly displays it Texas Historic Landmark plaque and is listed in the
National Historic Registry. For information call (903) 793-4776.
House of Wadley
618 Pecan The House of Wadley was built in 1895 and was well known
as the long-time residence of one of the ten richest men in the United
States, John Keener Wadley. Mr. Wadley drove the first automobile in
Texarkana and frequently entertained friends in his home such as Dwight
Eisenhower, Conrad Hilton, H. L. Hunt, Bing Crosby and Bob Hope, just to
name a few. Today the house is a Bed and Breakfast and Singing Supper
Club. Ideal for private banquets and dinner parties, where your favorite
cusine is served by singing waiters and waitresses. For information call
(870) 773-7019.
Old Rialto Building
317 State Line Erected 1902 by George Fouke (1843-1915) pioneer
businessman, leader in lumbering, railroads, electric power, and other
ventures. Triangular style resembles New York's Flatiron Building, also
erected 1902. One of the earliest Texarkana buildings with electricity.
First used for offices, became apartment hotel. Was converted by Dr.
E.L. Beck in 1934 to Medical Building. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark.
Korea/Vietnam Memorial
7th and State Line Ave. In 1988, a group of local citizens erected
a monument to recognize soldiers from across our four states area who
lost their lives in the Korean and Vietnam wars. This tribute to our
Gone But Not Forgotten sits on historic State Line Avenue, one block
north of the Post Office in downtown Texarkana.
Confederate Monument
5th and State Line Ave. The Confederate Memorial, 5th and State
Line, commemorates soldiers of the Confederacy and their Mothers. This
monument was the vision of Texarkana resident and C.S.A. veteran Capt.
James T. Rosborough and was erected in 1918. The monument's figures were
carved in Italy, with special government permission necessary to import
them during World War I. The base and canopy were sculpted by Allen
Monuments in Texarkana.
James Bowie Monument
900 block of State Line Avenue "Love of adventure brought the young
South Carolinian to Texas with James Long in 1819." Erected in 1936.
Hernando de Soto
Spring Lake Park De Soto drank from a spring in the park in 1541,
while camping here. His men mutinied and one was hanged to an oak tree
west of the spring. This marker erected by Lone Star DAR Chapter in
1926.
Official State of Texas Historical Marker for Bowie County
Located Roadside Park 5.3 miles west of New Boston, TX. Named for
James Bowie (1799 - 1836) who fought for Texas freedom from 1819, when
he joined the Long expedition, to 1836 when he died in defense of the
Alamo. Marker erected by State of Texas in 1971.
Rose Hill Cemetery
100 South Lelia Street One of the oldest cemeteries in Texarkana.
Founded as "city cemetery" in 1874, shortly after the town was
established in December, 1873. Here lie the remains of some of the
city's first citizens -- plantation owners, the livery stable owner,
country doctors, lawyers, the cabinet maker, and 2 known members of the
Texas Legislature. About 70 Confederate soldiers and 3 known Union
soldiers are also interred here.
Rondo Cemetery
McClure Rd., Texarkana AR This historic well preserved cemetery
hosts the graves of many of the areas early settlers. The cemetery
features a memorial honoring the eighty-five confererate soldiers buried
there.
ANNUAL EVENTS
Four States Fair & Rodeo
September 14 -22, 2001 A fun-filled nine days for the entire
family. Live entertainment, PRCA rodeo Wednesday thru Saturday, Large
Carnival, Exhibits, Livestock Shows, Country Music Concert, and
Demolition Derby. Located on Loop 245, just south of I-30 in Texarkana,
AR For more information go to www.fourstatesfair.com or call (870)
773-2941 To purchase tickets online go to www.texarkanatickets.com
Jump Jive and Jam Fest
April 28 - 29, 2001 For information call the Texarkana Regional
Arts and Humanities Council (903) 792-8681
Mistletoe Fair
The Mistletoe Fair is the kick off to the holiday shopping season
in the Ark-La-Tex. In addition to the wonderful merchants providing
unique gift and shopping items, there are activities for every member of
the family to enjoy. The Fair begins Thursday evening with our Preview
Party. Come enjoy exclusive preview shopping with our merchants, a
silent auction, and our exciting benefit drawing. You will also be able
to enjoy one of the premier bands in Texarkana as you mingle with your
friends. Beginning on Friday, we are open to the public for shopping and
special events. The whole family will enjoy seeing Santa come in for a
landing from the North Pole. Children's activities are offered on
Saturday and Sunday in order for mom to enjoy shopping.
Monroe's Bluegrass Festival
Memorial & Labor Day Weekends Bluegrass fans come from far and wide
to this great music festival filled with the ring of banjos, the sound
of fiddles and the strum and finger picking of flattop guitars. Park you
RV or camper at Monroe Park, bring your own lawn chairs and enjjoy this
unique American music in a relaxed down-home atmosphere. Directions to
Monroe Park - From Texarkana take US 59 south to FM 3244 and follow the
signs. For Information call (903) 794-5932
Quadrangle Street Festival
Two Days of Music, Art, and Crafts September 8 - 9, 2001 For
information call the Texarkana Museums System, (903) 793-4831
Twice as Bright Light Festival
Thanksgiving Day through New Year's Day
