TEXARKANA

Population 32,057

Altitude 325.

General

Commercially and culturally one city, but two separate municipalities, one in Texas, and one in Arkansas. The Federal Building is only one of its kind in America. Photo island on State Line Avenue in front of the post office is a popular photo spot; tourists can stand with one foot in Texas and the other in Arkansas.

Nations only bistate Justice Center serves two states at State Line Avenue and Broad Street. Center houses courts and jail for two states, two counties, and two cities. Like the Post Office, the Justice Center is built squarely on the Arkansas-Texas line.

Home of the Texarkana Community College and East Texas State University at Texarkana.

A Scott Joplin mural, at 3rd and Main Streets downtown, colorfully depicts the life and accomplishments of the Pulitzer-Prize winning musical pioneer from Texarkana. In the first two decades of the 20th Century, Texarkana's Joplin was America's "King of Ragtime." Joplin's works have been recently rediscovered; best known as composer of "Maple Leaf Rag," his music was utilized as theme in movie, "The Sting."

CRYSTAL SPRINGS BEACH

THE DISCOVERY PLACE

DRAUGHN-MOORE "ACE OF CLUBS HOUSE"

PEROT THEATRE

REGIONAL ARTS CENTER

TEXARKANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY and MUSEUM

TRAVEL INFORMATION CENTER

UNION STATION

Attractions

• CRYSTAL SPRINGS BEACH - A family oriented theme park centered around a 12 acre spring fed lake. Facilities include two water slides and paddle/bumper boats. Concession, video arcade and three acre picnic area. Camping with hookups; there is a fee for admission. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends in May; daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Located 18 miles west on U.S. 67. General admission plus use fee for water slides.
• THE DISCOVERY PLACE - Rotating displays geared for children, but adults enjoy, too! Open daily at 215 Pine Street.
• DRAUGHN-MOORE "ACE OF CLUBS HOUSE" - Legend says James Draughn won a huge pot in a poker game by playing the ace of clubs. The house is built in the shape of that card. Elegant 1884 Italianate-Victorian house is furnished as a living museum. Extensive restoration uncovered original wall coverings which have been reproduced. Mahogany treatment on paneling, embellished with gold leaf. The house is complete with period furnishings. Open Wed and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call 903-793-4831 for additional information. Located at 420 Pine Street. An admission is charged for entrance.
• PEROT THEATRE - 1600 seat neo-Renaissance theatre is elegantly restored to its original royal blue and gilt splendor with gleaming chandeliers and mirrored checkerboard marble lobby. Features drama, chamber music, ballet and musical theater. For information, call 903-792-4992. Box office is open Tues thru Fri from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Located at Third and Main Streets.
• REGIONAL ARTS CENTER - Housed in former U.S. District Courthouse built in 1909 featuring ornate plaster, copper cage elevator, and 26 foot ceiling in the grand hall. Serves as focal point for the visual arts featuring national touring, juried and invitational exhibitions. Open Tues - Fri from 10:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m. Call 903-792-8681. Located at Fourth Street and Texas Boulevard downtown.
• TEXARKANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY and MUSEUM - Archaeological, pioneer, early medical, and farm tool displays; Caddo Indian artifacts; period parlor, kitchen and office. Housed in first brick structure (1879) in city. Open Tues thru Fri from 10 a.m. thru 4 p.m.; Sat and Sun from noon to 3:00 p.m. Located at 219 State Line Avenue.
• TRAVEL INFORMATION CENTER - One of the centers provided by the state at key highway entrances to Texas, in the State Capitol, and at the Judge Roy Bean Visitor Center in Langtry. Operated daily except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's. Staffed by uniformed professional counselors, free services include information, maps, literature about every part of the state, and expert assistance in charting routes. Located on I-30 west of U.S. 59; operated by the State Department of Transportation.
• UNION STATION - Built in 1929; served the two cities as major transportation center for train service. Restored, the buiilding houses a restaurant, and it's open Mon thru Sat from 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 5 -9 p.m. and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Call 9903-794-0990. Located at 101 West Front Street.

MERCHANTS

FLARE KING-Flare Stacks and Ignition Systems for the Gas & Oil Industry.

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