10 Interesting Facts About Texarkana

Texarkana has been known for a lot of things over the years. Some of these facts you may already know and some of them may cause you to say, "I didn't know that."

Fact #1

The State Line Post Office and Federal Building is the only U.S. post office that sits between two states. Word has it that it's the most photographed courthouse in the country after the Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C. Our building was constructed between 1932-1933 and tourists can take a picture on photographer's island in front of the post office while standing with one foot in Texas and one foot in Arkansas.

Fact #2

Texarkana got its name for being close to the state lines of Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana. However, some historians argue that point claiming that its origin came from a 1860 steamboat named Texarkana that traveled the Red River. Others say the town was named after a drink called "Texarkana Bitters." I'm going with the drink. Bottoms up!

Fact #3

In 1954, Elvis was in the building at the Texarkana, Arkansas Municipal Auditorium. Elvis was at the beginning of his career when he performed in the Twin Cities. He later returned for other dates and so did his Sun Records label mate Johnny Cash along with others. Listen to this rare interview with Elvis before playing Texarkana in 1955.

Fact #4

The Four States Rodeo became a part of history in 1944. A year later it became known as the Four States Fair & Rodeo. The original fair was held at Spring Lake Park before moving to its current location on the Arkansas side next to Bobby Ferguson Park where it remains today.

Fact #5

Offenhauser & Co. was founded by Fred Offenhauser and his partner in 1882 when Texarkana was best known as railroad town. Offenhauser remains in business today in downtown Texarkana.

Fact #6

The historic Saenger Theatre was restored and re-named the Perot Theatre in 1982, after H. Ross Perot, a native of Texarkana and former Presidential candidate. Before being named the Perot Theatre, it was a movie theater during the 1960s and 1970s named the Paramount. The theater closed in 1977 and was later bought, restored and re-opened in 1981 as the Perot. The building is a national and state historical landmark and has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Fact #7

In October 1988, Texarkana was approved by Susan G. Komen for the Cure as a Race for the Cure host city. During that time, Texarkana was the smallest city in the U.S. to get approval for being a Race for the Cure location. The Texarkana Race for the Cure continues each year during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

Fact #8

Texarkana's warmest month is July, on average the coldest month is January, and the most precipitation typically occurs in the month of November. There's a saying in Texarkana. "If you don't like the weather just wait 10 minutes and it'll change."

Fact #9

Wright Patman Lake was officially authorized as Texarkana Dam and Reservoir and was later best known as Lake Texarkana on Dec. 15, 1973. President Richard Nixon signed a bill known as H.R. 945, officially changing the name to Wright Patman Lake in honor of Congressman Patman of the first Congressional District of Texas who served the Lone Star State for 47 years.

Fact #10

Texarkana is located in the southwest corner of Arkansas at the junction of I-30, which opened in 1968 and U.S. Hwy 59, 67, 71 and 82. Even though Texarkana is considered one town it has separate municipalities including different laws that represent both Texas and Arkansas. The city's slogan is "Twice as Nice" and can be seen on the huge water tower just off I-30.

Here's some more interesting facts about Texarkana.

Additional facts and information about Texarkana may be found by visiting the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce.