HISTORY OF TEXARKANA KEY EVENTS FROM THE FOUNDING OF TEXARKANA IN 1873
FOUNDING 1873 Texarkana was founded at a railroad intersection INCORPORATION 1880 Texarkana was officially incorporated
LANDMARK BUILDINGS 1925 Grim Hotel opens, becoming the crown jewel of Texarkana EDUCATION DEVELOPMENTS 1927 Texarkana College was established as a branch of the Texarkana Independent School District, contributing to the growth of higher education in the area NOTORIOUS EVENTS 1946 The unidentified Phantom Killer perpetrated a series of brutal crimes in the area HISTORIOGRAPHY 1957 The Texarkana, Arkansas School District traced its origins back to 1884 when it began in “the brick school,” officially named Hays School in 1896. This district has played a pivotal role in shaping the educational journey of students in Texarkana. INCREASED INFRASTRUCTURE 1971 1-30 was completed, connecting Texas and Arkansas, enhancing traffic flow, improving accessibility, and supporting economic growth IN HONOR OF 1973 Lake Texarkana renamed in honor of Congressman Wright Patman of Texas, becoming Wright Patman Lake HISTORIC FLOODING 1990 The Red River Flood spills eight miles over it’s banks, affecting areas in Louisiana and Texas
ALMA MATER PRIDE 1996
The Texas A&M campus in Texarkana, originally known as East Texas State University Center at Texarkana, became a separate institution and was renamed Texas A&M University-Texarkana A UNIQUE LEGAL CENTER 1998 Texarkana played a significant role in the Tobacco Trials. The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Texarkana Division, retained jurisdiction over the parties and subject matter of the settlement between the tobacco companies and Texas. HISTORIC ICE STORM 2000 Significant due to its devastating impact, leaving more than 500,000 people without power in parts of Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. This event is listed as one of the top ten worst ice storms to date in U.S. history, highlighting its severity and long-lasting consequences. SESQUICENTENNIAL 2023 The 150-year celebration of Texarkana’s founding marks a significant milestone for locals and tourists to commemorate the rich history and cultural heritage of the city. INFORMATION COURTESY OF TEXARKANA MUSEUMS SYSTEM
EDUCATION 1889
Texas High School was established in Texarkana POSTAL TOWN 1893 First Post Office helps legitimize Texarkana MEDICAL FACILITIES 1904
The Cotton Belt Hospital opens with 150 beds on a 35-acre site on one of the highest spots in Texarkana MARKETING GROWTH 1907 The Daily Texarkanian reports that Broad Street will be a regular blaze of light with electric signs. The signs are all large and handmade giving Broad Street a decidedly city appearance. JURISDICTION CONFLICT 1909 Arkansas side City refuses to ratify the selection of J.J. Hussey as joint fire chief saying they did not think the Texas side was acting fairly in the matter and that it appeared they wanted everything their own way. Hussey was eventually appointed and served both departments.
26 | Texarkana Community Directory | 2024
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