Introduction to Texarkana, Texas
Texarkana, Texas, in Bowie county, is 64 miles N of Shreveport, Louisiana (center to center) and 165 miles E of Dallas, Texas.
Texarkana History
The community was named "Texarkana" because of its location near the state lines of Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana. However, other sources claim that the name was taken from an 1860 steamboat called "Texarkana," or from a drink known as "Texarkana Bitters." This region was originally the site of a Caddo Indian village, and the Great Southwest Trail connected it to other villages of the Mississippi River country, the South, and the West. The city of Texarkana was officially established on December 8, 1873, and was granted a charter in 1876. By the late 1890s, Texarkana already had an electric light plant, gas works, waterworks, a cotton oil mill, streetcar lines, schools, foundries, a sewer system, and a hotel. It became one of Southwest's major railroad centers in the mid-1900s.
Texarkana and Nearby Attractions
- Discovery Place
- Museum of Regional History
- Old Washington Historic State Park
- Clinton Birthplace
- Caldwell Zoo
- Atlanta State Park
Things To Do In Texarkana
Texarkana is home to the Discovery Place which features permanent exhibits including a general store, a costume theater, a biology laboratory, and a sound wall. The Museum of Regional History, also in the city, showcases artifacts reflecting the region's agriculture, early industry, and World War II history. On the other hand, Tex-Ark Antique Auto Museum houses autos and related pieces from the Texarkana area. The city also offers easy access to places of historic interest like Old Washington Historic State Park, and Clinton Birthplace. Atlanta State Park, and Millwood State Park offer facilities for the enjoyment of fishing, boating, biking, swimming, hiking, picnicking, and camping. Some of the other popular destinations in the region are Caldwell Zoo, Garvan Woodland Gardens, Magic Springs Theme Park, National Park Aquarium, and Tyler Municipal Rose Garden. The city of Texarkana also hosts annual events like the Four States Fair & Rodeo, and Quadrangle Festival.
Texarkana Transportation
Shreveport Regional Airport is the nearest major airport.
Texarkana Higher Education
Texarkana is home to the Texas A&M University Texarkana, and Texarkana College. University of Arkansas Community College at Hope is also close by.