What to do in Texarkana

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, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

120 Bill Rogers Road 903-794-6196 18 hole private golf course with reciprocal agreement, pro-shop and lessons. Golf cart rental is available.

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.

Line Ferry Road 870-774-5771 18 hole public golf course with pro-shop and lessons. Golf cart rental is available.

Forrest & Ferguson Streets 870-772-8221 18 hole private golf course with reciprocal agreement, pro-shop and lessons. Golf cart rental is available.

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.

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.

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.

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 in Texarkana, across from Four States Fairgrounds, 870-774-3161 Activities include picnicking, hiking, bird watching and children’s playgrounds. Pavilions, pond.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 cuisine is served by singing waiters and waitresses. For information call (870) 773-7019.

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

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.

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.

900 block of State Line Avenue “Love of adventure brought the young South Carolinian to Texas with James Long in 1819.” Erected in 1936.

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.

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.

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.

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 confederate soldiers buried there.

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

April 28 – 29, 2001 For information call the Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council (903) 792-8681

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.

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 enjoy 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

Two Days of Music, Art, and Crafts September 8 – 9, 2001 For information call the Texarkana Museums System, (903) 793-4831

Thanksgiving Day through New Year’s Day