Texarkana history

Foundation and First Mentions

The unique city of Texarkana owes its existence to the rapid development of the railway network in the late 19th century. The official founding date is considered to be December 8, 1873, when the first plots of land were sold at the intersection of two major lines — the Texas and Pacific and the Cairo and Fulton. The settlement emerged literally on the state border, which predetermined its unusual destiny and dual administrative structure.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of a small railway junction into an important regional center in the USA was driven by several reasons:

• Strategic Geography: The city is located at the junction of Texas and Arkansas (and also near Louisiana), making it an ideal point for transit trade and logistics. Historians believe the city's name itself is an abbreviation of the names of these three states.
• Railways: Transport routes became the main artery of the economy, ensuring a constant flow of people and goods.
• Natural Wealth: Vast forests around the city contributed to the rapid development of the timber industry.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Since its foundation, Texarkana has developed as a dual city with two mayors and police forces, but a single social life. The early economy was based on timber processing, the production of railway sleepers, and locomotive maintenance. The city's cultural life was shaped by the constant stream of travellers, which encouraged the opening of numerous hotels, theatres, and trading posts, creating the atmosphere of a lively commercial hub of the South.

Major Historical Milestones

The history of the city of Texarkana is rich in events reflecting the journey from a railway stop to an important regional center. Below is a chronology of key development moments:

• 1873 — Sale of the first land plots at the railway intersection, officially considered the city's founding date.
• 1874 — Obtaining city status and the formation of governing bodies for the settlement part within the state of Texas.
• 1880 — Official incorporation (obtaining city status) of the settlement part located within the territory of the state of Arkansas.
• 1885 — Opening of the first opera house, marking the beginning of a cultural flourishing in the region.
• 1893 — Completion of a large railway station, securing the city's status as the "Gateway to the Southwest".
• 1924 — Commissioning of the unique Federal Courthouse and Post Office building, constructed directly on the border line of the two states.
• 1927 — Founding of Texarkana College, the first higher education institution in the city.
• 1931 — Opening of the municipal airport, integrating the city into the air transport system of the USA.
• 1941 — Creation of the Red River Army Depot and ammunition plant, which ensured significant economic and demographic growth.
• 1956 — Completion of the dam and creation of the Wright Patman Lake for flood control and water supply.
• 1971 — Establishment of Texas A&M University-Texarkana, which became a key educational center.
• 1982 — Grand opening of the restored historic Perot Theatre, returning the status of cultural capital to the city.
• 2012 — Relocation of Texas A&M University to a new modern campus located near Wright Patman Lake.

Stages of Urban and Economic Growth

The evolution of the city of Texarkana represents a journey from a temporary railway camp to a significant commercial and industrial center. The main development milestones defined the modern appearance and economic profile of the city:

• Railway Foundation (1873): The laying of the Texas and Pacific and Cairo and Fulton tracks became the catalyst for the city's foundation. The railway turned the area into a key logistical hub connecting the southwestern regions with the rest of the USA, ensuring rapid transit of goods and passengers.
• Timber Boom (Late 19th Century): Utilizing the region's rich natural resources allowed the city to become a center for wood processing. The production of lumber and railway sleepers laid the financial foundation for early urban planning and attracting investment.
• Architectural Unification (1924): The construction of the unique Federal Courthouse and Post Office building right on the border of the two states became a symbol of the city's unity. This event highlighted the settlement's special status and contributed to the development of administrative infrastructure.
• Industrialization of the 1940s: The opening of the Red River Army Depot and the ammunition plant radically changed the economy. The city shifted from an agrarian-raw material model to an industrial one, gaining thousands of jobs and an influx of new population.
• Hydrotechnical Modernization (1950s): The creation of the Wright Patman Reservoir solved the problem of floods that previously threatened the region's development. Stable water supply and flood control opened opportunities for the expansion of residential developments and industrial zones.
• Development of Higher Education (1971): The founding of the university (now Texas A&M University-Texarkana) turned the city into the educational center of the Ark-La-Tex region, ensuring the training of qualified personnel and stimulating innovative development.
• Cultural Revitalization (1980s): The restoration of the Perot Theatre became the starting point for the revival of the historic center. This event returned the status of cultural capital to the city and attracted a flow of tourists, revitalizing the service and entertainment sectors.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The development of the city of Texarkana formed around the railway and a unique geographical feature — the state border. The urban planning backbone is State Line Avenue, which divides the city in half. The historic center is distinguished by a regular layout, where commercial and administrative quarters create a unified ensemble that harmoniously combines the heritage of two jurisdictions.

Eras and Styles

The city's architecture vividly illustrates the shift in historical periods and tastes in the USA at the turn of the 19th–20th centuries:

• Victorian Era (Late 19th Century): The period of the city's formation is marked by the construction of wealthy private residences. The Italianate style and eclecticism prevail, characterized by complex forms, decorative elements, and attention to facade details.
• Era of Prosperity (1920–1930s): A time of economic upturn brought monumentality to the city's appearance. Administrative and public buildings were erected in Neoclassical and Beaux-Arts styles, symbolizing the stability and grandeur of state institutions.
• Cultural Renaissance (Late 20th Century): The modern stage of architectural development is associated less with new construction and more with large-scale restoration and preservation of historical heritage, which has allowed the unique atmosphere of the Old South to be saved.

Iconic Structures

The appearance of the city is defined by several outstanding buildings that have become its landmarks:

• Ace of Clubs House: A unique mansion from 1885, built in the shape of an octagon with a tower and a spiral staircase. It is a striking example of Victorian architecture which, according to legend, was built with money won in a game of poker.
• Federal Courthouse and Post Office: A monumental structure in the Beaux-Arts style with elements of classical revival. It is unique for its location: the building stands precisely on the border of Texas and Arkansas, serving as a physical embodiment of the city's dual nature.
• Perot Theatre: The former Saenger Theatre, opened in 1924. Its interiors, designed in the Italian Renaissance style, have been fully restored, returning the building to its status as the architectural gem of the region.

Famous Residents

The city of Texarkana has given the world many talented people whose names are forever inscribed in the history of music, cinema, politics, and sports. The geography and special atmosphere of the city at the junction of two states contributed to the formation of bright characters and unique destinies.

• Scott Joplin — Composer and pianist.
  Considered the "King of Ragtime". Although he was born near the city, it was in Texarkana that his childhood passed and his musical development began. Here he absorbed African American musical traditions, which later formed the basis of his famous works, such as "The Entertainer" and "Maple Leaf Rag".
• Ross Perot — Businessman, philanthropist, and politician.
  A native of the city who became one of America's most famous billionaires. Founder of Electronic Data Systems (EDS) and a two-time independent presidential candidate (in 1992 and 1996). The main city theatre, restored with his funds, bears his name.
• Otis Williams — Singer and producer.
  Founder and the only constant member of the legendary group The Temptations. Born in Texarkana and spent his early childhood here. His work had a colossal influence on the development of the Soul and R&B genres.
• Corinne Griffith — Actress and producer.
  A star of silent cinema in the 1920s, nicknamed the "Orchid of the Screen" for her beauty. She was one of the highest-paid actresses of her time and was nominated for an Academy Award.
• Parnelli Jones — Racing driver and constructor.
  A legend of American motorsport, winner of the prestigious "Indianapolis 500" race in 1963. Known not only for his victories but also for innovations in race car design.
• Joshua Logan — Director and screenwriter.
  An outstanding figure of Broadway and Hollywood, winner of the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award. He directed such famous films as "Picnic", "Bus Stop", and "South Pacific".