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Historical Markers of Bowie County
Submitted by Sharon Pierce
June 2004
Historical Markers in Bowie County---Texas & National
Markers
Tilson Mounds--Summerhill Lake Place Ace of Clubs" House Address: 420 Pine St. City: Texarkana County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1964 Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark Marker Location: Marker Text: Has 3 groups of octagonal rooms (leaves of a club) opening on a rotunda backed by long rectangular rooms (the Club's stem). Rotunda has a marble mantel, French mirrors and spiral stairway and is topped with 20-foot tower. Built 1884 by J. H. Draughan. Owned since 1894 by Henry Moore family. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1964 Black Cherry Tree Address: City: New Boston vicinity County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1969 Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark Marker Location: 6 miles east of New Boston on US 62 (on U.S. Government reservation) Marker Text: In early days, source of lumber and shingles. Bark had medicinal use. This was judged the largest black cherry tree in Texas in 1965. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1969 Bois d'Arc Address: City: DeKalb County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1968 Designations: na Marker Location: US 82 W of Roy's Cafe Marker Text: Bois d'Arc was used in early Texas for fences, building foundations, ox-yokes, paving blocks. This 153-year-old tree is Texas champion of the species. (1968) Bowie County Address: City: New Boston vicinity County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1936 Designations: na Marker Location: 2 mi. east of New Boston on US 82 in roadside park Marker Text: Original text (1936): In 1836 a part of Red River County. Created December 17, 1840; organized February 1, 1841. Named in honor of James Bowie, 1785-1836; member of Long's Expedition, defender of Texas liberty, a martyr of the Alamo. Old Boston, 1841, Texarkana and New Boston have served as county seat. Replacement text (1971): Named for James Bowie (1799-1836), who fought for Texas freedom from 1819, when he joined the Long Expedition, to 1836-- when he died in defense of the Alamo. Inhabited before 1800 by agricultural Indians, charted 1819 for Anglo-American settlement, this was Red River County land when Texas Republic was founded in 1836. Bowie County was created Dec. 18, 1840; organized Feb. 1, 1841. County seats: DeKalb, Old Boston, Texarkana, and Boston. Forceful citizens joined in beginning railroad construction in 1857. economy is based on agriculture, lumber, manufacturing. Erected by the State of Texas - 1971 Bowie County Jail Address: Public Sq. Architect: Sonnefield,Emmins & Albright County: Bowie City: Boston Architectural Style: NO STYLE LISTED Narrative: Centered in the public square the Bowie County Courthouse now has a plan that is atypical in Texas. A single corridor with exterior doors at each end extends through the building in an east-west direction. Originally, however, it appears that a corridor also extended into the building in the north-south direction. On the south side of the corridor are located the county auditor and tax collector. The Treasurers' Office on this side is accessible from a stair landing. On the north are other offices including the county clerk. One stair furnished access to the second-floor courtroom, which is located on the west side, and other offices,, including the district clerk. A third story is used for storage. A unique feature in Texas is the octagonal turret projecting from the northwest corner of the building. Medieval in character, it contrasts with other design features that are Classical, and it contains offices with the district judge located on the second floor. The massing of the courthouse is otherwise typical. Center pavilion surmounted with triangular pediments accented with Roman arches project from the east, west and north facades, relieving on otherwise cubical form. The center mass of the structure is covered by a hipped roof with a galvanized iron cresting. The exterior of the building is relieved by several detail features. Corner pilasters with rectangular indentations and a string course with graceful profile accent the brick walls and the level of the second floor. A second stringcourse at the level of the third floor further relieves the plainness of the walls. A simple cornice terminates the composition. The courthouse interior was designed to be durable and beautiful. The corridors were floored with concrete placed over a fill of sand and finished with a one-inch layer of mixture of Portland cement and sand--an early use of this material in the Red River vicinity. Although oak had originally been specified for the woodwork, a change in the contract called for heart pine to be used for "panel to beaded work" still resulting in an attractive finish. Although the original exterior features remain largely intact several additions have been made to the courthouse. In the 1930's the building was remodeled. Additional office space was added in two separate masses on the south. In 1951 the north single-story addition was designed by Reinheimer and Cox, architects, and built by the Atlas Construction Company. The interior of the courthouse still retains much original detail. The stairs and much of the woodwork date from the nineteenth century. Alterations included a terrazzo floor on the first-story corridor. Throughout acoustical tile has been installed below the original ceilings and walls have been replastered. Some new wainscoting also has been added. Located on the southeast corner of the public square, the jail is a two-story structure with a cubical form. Positioned close to the intersection of Prairie Street and Brooks Street, the plan is rectangular with the main entrance facing east and a small one-story hip-roofed section has been added in recent years. A parapet extends above the roof lines, thus visually emphasizing the cubical form. The interior arrangement is typical of jails throughout the state. On the ground floor is located the sheriff's quarters, including the kitchen where prisoners' meals were prepared. On the second floor are the cell blocks. The exterior is enhanced by simple details. Corner buttresses, angled with walls, a water table, and stringcourse in strong profile are noteworthy details. Openings are spanned by simple segmental arches. Windows are double hung with two narrow lights in each sash. On the second floor, bars installed outside the sashes serve to further secure the building as well as an ever-present reminder of the function of the building. Today both the courthouse and jail continue to serve their original function and are important landmarks to the people of Bowie County. Due to their association with community development in northeast
Texas and their architectural character, the Bowie County Courthouse
and Jail are significant locally. Serving as the center of county
governmental activities for over three-quarters of a century, the
buildings were designed and built at the same time--unique within
the state. In addition, the massing of the courthouse is unusual.
Central Christian Church Address: 903 Walnut St. City: Texarkana County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1987 Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark Marker Location: Marker Text: Founded in 1883 with the Rev. J. C. Mason as first pastor, the Central Christian Church congregation built this structure in 1932. Construction was supervised by architect and church member E. C. Seibert (1878-1941), who used carefully placed bricks to achieve a distinctive pattern. Of Tudor Gothic Revival style, the basilica-plan sanctuary with cast-stone details and pointed-arch windows is connected to an educational wing by a pointed-arch arcade. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1987 Cervini House Address: 524 Spruce St. City: Texarkana County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1988 Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark Marker Location: Marker Text: Joseph Cervini (1857-1922) came to Texarkana from Genoa, Italy in 1884 and opened a restaurant. With profits from downtown land investments, he had this home built for his family in 1914. Exhibiting influences of the bungalow and Prairie School styles, the home features a two-story wraparound gallery, brick piers, cast-stone heavy balusters, and a low-pitched tile hipped roof. The home remained in the Cervini family until 1981. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1988 Dalby Springs Methodist Church Address: City: DeKalb County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1965 Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark Marker Location: 11 miles south of DeKalb on US 259, 1 mi. E on FM 561 Marker Text: Built of knotless pine lumber in 1888. First house of worship built by congregation who had been worshipping since 1839 in homes, groves and school. During this time the town of Dalby Springs emerged from farmland and grew into a summer health spa. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1965 Phillip A. Dalby Homestead Address: City: DeKalb vicinity County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1966 Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark Marker Location: 11 miles south of DeKalb on US 259, then 3.3 mi. west on County Line Rd. Marker Text: In Dalby family since 1841. On land given Dalby by Republic of Texas. Original room (northeast part of house) is of oak logs pegged together. Logs and floor boards were hand-hewn. By 1856 Dalby had 8 children. House, then enlarged, was scene of singings, socials, quiltings, logrollings. Teachers boarded here. Freighters camped in yard. Passed to Phillip Dalby's son, A. J., 1872; his grandson, Clyde N., 1927. Remodeled in 1948. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1966. De Kalb Address: City: DeKalb County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1966 Designations: na Marker Location: at junction of US 82 and FM 2735, DeKalb Marker Text: Named for Maj. Gen. Johann de Kalb - a hero of the American Revolution - upon suggestion (1836) of David Crockett, a visitor on his way to fight in Texas War for Independence. Other Texas heroes traveling through here were James B. Fannin and Wm. B. Travis. Settled by 1831, when land was given for a public school by Dr. W. H. Boyce, Wm. L. Browning, D. M. Chisholm, Clement R. Johns and Judge (and Dr.) James W. Smith. Site of first college in Bowie County, founded in 1839 and of Ninth Masonic Lodge in Texas, organized 1840. Served as county seat, 1840-1841. On two early stagelines. A stopover for U.S. immigrants to Texas Republic, and 49'ers on way to California gold rush. In 1870's hideouts of train robbers Sam Bass, Jesse James, other notorious characters were nearby. Texas & Pacific Railroad reached here 1876. Site in 1889 of P. S. Ramseur's sawmill which shipped high quality lumber all over United States; to get logs to mill, he built a railroad, traces of which still exist. Although in 1896 and 1923 most of businesses were destroyed by fires, city prospers today. Center of ranching, truck farming, and pulpwood productions. Known as "The Pride of East Texas". (1966) Draughn-Moore House Address: 420 Pine St. Architect: Unknown County: Bowie City: Texarkana Architectural Style: ITALIANATE Narrative: Located two blocks from the central business district of Texarkana near the Texas-Arkansas state line is the Draughn-Moore house. Built in 1883-84, the raised two-story house is situated on a quarter block of one of the few remaining wooded areas in downtown Texarkana. The site is bounded by two streets, 5th street at the northwest and Pine street at the southwest. An alley separates the rear of the house from St. James Episcopal Church. Enclosing the beautiful grounds is a high brick wall, first built in 1884 as a low retaining wall and increased in height in the late 1930's to provide privacy. Wrought iron gates mark the entrance at Pine street. Raised over a full basement, the apparent three stories of the Draughn-Moore House is further heightened by its location on a high terrace above the street. An octagonal cupola rising from the central part of the roof adds to this sense of verticality. The unique design of the Draughn-Moore house has three large bays on the southwest, southeast and northwest facades and a rectangular wing on the northeast side all radiating from a central mass. The house is known locally as the "Ace of Clubs" House, for the design resembles the three leaves and stem of a "club". An octagonal cupola rises from the central portion. To this original design some additions were made in the 1920's when the present owner moved into the house. In the early 1920's an off-center two-story wing was added at the rear, and another wing was built at the eastern corner of the southeast side bay. These wings have no corresponding rooms on the basement level. The architectural details of the wings conform exactly to those of the original building. In the late 1920's a raised one-story brick gallery replaced the original one-story frame gallery which had cast iron supports that encircled the front bay. The current raised gallery, which extends around the south-west facade, is supported on stuccoed brick elliptical arches, has a cross-patterned grillwork balustrade, canopies and a low pitched tile roof with wide overhanging eaves. In recent years the southern half of the porch has been screened. Stairs are located on the western end of the gallery. There is an entry located in each of the four vestibules. The openings on either side of the front bay have a leaded, beveled glass door with transom. At the rear, the doors have an etched rose octagonal pattern in the glass and a large transom. To the east of the house is the original carriage house. The rectangular structure with gables projecting from the pitch of the roof of the southwest and northeast facades, was converted into a garage in the 20th century. Large openings were cut at the southeast and northwest sides for garage openings and an enclosed walkway to the back porch of the house was added. Also added to the rear of the house was an elevator shaft and a raised two-story screened- in gallery across the rear of the southeast side of the rectangular wing. There is also a one-story gallery on the northwest side. The exterior detail displays Italianate characteristics. The brick walls were originally stuccoed and scored to appear like large stone blocks. Some of the walls have been replastered without being scored. Raised stringcourses delineate the floor levels. Marking the corners of the polygonal bays are pilasters formed by raised brickwork which are also stuccoed and scored to resemble large stone block quoins. Another Italianate feature is the use of the two styles of pedimented hood molds over the narrow 2/2 light windows. The low-pitched roof has projecting eaves supported by brackets and larger corner brackets. Sheltered by the eaves are frieze panels and a cornice with triangular dentils. Surmounting the roof is the wood-frame cupola with round arched windows in each of its eight sides. The windows were original rose colored, but have been replaced with purple lights. The cupola is crowned by a low roof with wide bracketed eaves. The interior floor plan contains a two-story octagonal rotunda surrounded on three sides by octagonal rooms and on the fourth side by a rectangular wing. Small barrel-vaulted vestibules connect each of the four rooms. The original kitchen was located in the rectangular room in the basement and served the dining room above it by a dumb waiter. In the 1920's a two-story wing was added to the north corner of the dining room, and the first floor has been used since then as the kitchen. The basement rooms are presently used for offices, a laundry and a game room. The nucleus of the upper stories is the octagonal rotunda with a central well of about 40 feet. The cupola, with arched stained glass windows in each of its eight sides, lights the well. The surrounding rooms on the first floor are formal rooms joined by the vestibules. During the 1920's these hallways were enclosed by tambour doors that fold into the fixed casing under the arch. The circular stairway in the rotunda follows the octagonal configuration of the walls to the second floor mezzanine. Encircling the balcony are the various bedrooms. Three of the original connecting passageways now contain a closet and bathroom. The fourth vestibule serves as a library niche with a projecting window bay. Attached to the rectangular master bedroom is the 1920's addition that contains a bathroom and dressing room. Interior detail is simple. Most of the fireplaces have simple hardwood mantels except for an English marble mantel in the rotunda. An interesting feature is the original brass window and door hardware. The door handles have an unusual fixed knob with a trigger latch mechanism instead of a turn knob. Lighting the interiors are the original gasoliers, wired for both gas and electricity. The house was built in 1883-84 by J. H. Draughn (also spelled Draughon
and Draughan), one of the city's earliest settlers and an early businessman.
Born in 1843 in Waverly, Tennessee, Draughn went into the general
mercantile business in that state. In the 1870's be began moving west.
He worked for awhile in Arkansas and when the city of Texarkana was
founded in 1873 he came to work with a lumber firm, Buchanan and Company.
When the firm dissolved in 1875, Draughn began an independent dry
goods and lumber business. Having established himself in the community,
Draughn served as one of the first mayors for a brief period from
April to July, 1876. In addition, he was one of the organizers of
the First National Bank of Texarkana and served as President for 10
years. Draughn built the raised two-story house at 420 Pine Street
in 1883-84. Within a few years Draughn sold out his dry goods and
lumber business interests in Texas and moved to Sulpher Station, where
the bought an interest in a lumber business and became the company's
president. Earl--Rochelle House Address: 1920 Magnolia St. Architect: Barber, George County: Bowie City: Texarkana Architectural Style: QUEEN ANNE Earl-Rochelle House Ellis House Address: 716 Olive St. City: Texarkana County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1997 Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark Marker Location: Marker Text: Built in 1893 as the home of Gaither Booker Ellis, local realtor and loan agent, and his wife Mary (Bell), this house was designed and constructed by local builder Charles R. Korn. Erected on land owned by Mrs. Ellis, the two-story Victorian residence was built in an asymmetrical plan with a tower that was removed in the 1920s. The house includes porches on both the first and second floors with jigsawn porch brackets. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1997 Site of the Texas Home of Richard Ellis Address: City: New Boston County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1936 Designations: na Marker Location: 8 mi. north of New Boston in roadside park on SH 8 Marker Text: A Virginian by birth and education, jurist and statesman of Alabama, 1813-1825. Came to Texas, 1825. President of the Constitutional Convention, March 1836, and member of the Congress of the Republic of Texas. Born February 14, 1781; died here December 20, 1846. Site of Epperson's Ferry Address: City: Maud County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1936 Designations: na Marker Location: 1 mi. northeast of Maud on US 67 Marker Text: At this crossing, constructed by nature and used by Caddo Indians, early French and Spanish explorers, and travelers over Trammel's Trace. Mark Epperson before 1837 established a ferry used until the construction of a wooden bridge antedating the modern structure erected in 1924. First Disciples of Christ in Texas Address: City: Texarkana County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1967 Designations: na Marker Location: just north of Texarkana on US 59/71 about 1 mi. north of IH-30 Marker Text: Worshiped in 1831 at McKinney's Landing, where the McKinney family and a small group of neighbors met together for informal services. During the winter of 1841-1842, a traveling preacher from Illinois, G. Gates, organized the congregation into a church. He later wrote, "I remained with the brethren about a week... gathered scattered sheep and constituted a church of 16 members, with fair prospects for more." First leader of the group was Collin McKinney (1766-1861), who had come with his family from Kentucky to Texas in 1831, when Mexico governed the state. The worship services he started were in defiance of the laws of Mexico, which demanded the allegiance of each citizen to the Catholic religion. In 1836, he signed the Texas Declaration of Independence. Collin County and the city of McKinney bear his name. Between 1844 and 1846, the McKinney families and neighbors moved their congregation to Mantua, near Van Alstyne, where they met in a wooden church with a four-foot wall separating men from women. Five slaves of the family were members of the Mantua group. When the railroad built past Van Alstyne, they moved there and organized the First Christian Church, a direct descendant of the 1831 congregation. (1967) First United Methodist Church of DeKalb Address: City: De Kalb County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1985 Designations: na Marker Location: NW corner of Johnson and Austin St. Marker Text: The Rev. William Stevenson led the pioneering efforts of Methodist circuit riders in northeast Texas in 1815. He preached on both sides of the Red River, although Protestant services were then illegal in the Spanish territory of Texas. Methodist "societies" began to spring up in this area in the 1820s and 1830s. Dr. J. W. P. McKenzie started a Methodist mission in DeKalb in 1836, just five years after the town was founded. This area was then considered part of Miller County, Arkansas. The Rev. John B. Denton, who served the church in 1837, was later killed in the Village Creek Indian Battle in Tarrant County. The city and county of Denton were named for him. The Methodists' first church building was a log structure which also served as a schoolhouse. It stood in the southeast corner of Old DeKalb Cemetery. After the arrival of the Texas & Pacific Railroad, the church moved to a new building at Fulton and Church St. in 1882. The Presbyterian and Christian churches also shared that facility. A Sunday School program was begun in 1883. The church moved to its present location in 1913 and has occupied three buildings here. Three Methodist congregations, Austin Chapel, Oak Grove, and Springhill, have merged with the fellowship. (1985) John F. Floyd House Address: 1203 Wood St. City: Texarkana County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1989 Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark Marker Location: Marker Text: A Confederate veteran of the Civil War, John F. Floyd (1846-1923) moved to Texarkana in 1881. The successful owner of a lumber business, he had this home built for his family in 1903. Reflecting the turn-of-the-century transition from Victorian influences toward more Classical Revival detailing in architecture, the Floyd home features Palladian windows in the gable ends, art glass transoms, and paired colonnettes on the porch. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1989 The French in Texas Address: City: Texarkana County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1966 Designations: na Marker Location: just north of Texarkana, Tx. city limits on US 59/71about 1 mi. north of IH-30 Marker Text: Were explorers and traders for about a century. Claimed coastal Texas early as 1685 when La Salle established his Fort Saint Louis colony. Another Fort Saint Louis, among Nassonite Indians, a few miles northwest of this marker, was founded in 1719 by a French captain, Benard de La Harpe, who came up the Red River. This fort was a center for trade with the Cadodacho (Caddoes) of northeast Texas and the Wichita, Tawakoni, Tonkawa and other tribes of North Texas. Over 250,000 French and Caddo Indian artifacts have been found near here-- including two millstones used in a flour mill near the fort. Although Spain claimed Texas earlier and during the time of La Harpe, this did not discourage the French; they traded as far south as the mouth of the Trinity until Louisiana was ceded to Spain in 1762. The chief French influence in east Texas was the Cavalier Saint Denis (1676-1744), who controlled Red River area of Louisiana, frequently coming into Texas. At first he prospected for silver and gold, as Spain had done. Later he found trading with the Indians was very profitable. The French had no policy against trading guns to Indians; partly for that reason they were more popular than the Spainards. (1966) Garland Community School Teacherage Address: TX 2, 2.5 mi. W of Dekalb Architect: County: Bowie City: Dekalb Architectural Style: BUNGALOW/CRAFTSMAN Cemetery for Old Harrison Chapel Address: City: Redwater vicinity County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1968 Designations: na Marker Location: US 67 about 3 mi. east of Redwater on north side of road Marker Text: Founded 1840 by Republic of Texas pioneers Charles Moores (1776-1852) and wife, Mary Harrison. Extinct all-faiths chapel, where circuit riders served, named for her parents (of South Carolina). This 5-acre family-community burial plot contains about 100 graves. Mary, Charles Moores, and Willis Whitaker were children of American Revolution soldiers; 3 of Moores' son were Texas Rangers; 4 men buried here had Republic of Texas headrights. Cemetery, restored 1967, is now only evidence of Mooresville (1 mi. N), post office 1841-1866. Moore's Landing was on Sulphur River. (1968) Incise on back: Erected by Cooper Burgess, Moores, Rosborough, Rochelle, Janes, and Whitaker descendants. Hatchel/Barkman Caddo Indian Village Address: City: Texarkana vicinity County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1981 Designations: na Marker Location: 2 mi. north of Texarkana on US 59/71 ROW Marker Text: Near here for 1,000 years, 800-1800 A.D., lived civilized Caddoes, who thought they were the sole survivors of a prehistoric flood and ancestors of all Indians. Their ceremonial mounds stood high above Red River. They had a significant role in exchanges between Puebloan Indians and the Mound-Builders in the east. They domesticated food plants such as corn, squash and beans and manufactured fine pottery. Because of pressure from Euro-American settlers, they left this area, and descendants are found in Oklahoma. Their village site is now under state protection. (1981) Incise in base: Marker sponsored by the Hoblitzelle Foundation Francis Marion Henry Address: City: Texarkana County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1967 Designations: na Marker Location: Rose Hill Cemetery on S. Lelia St. Marker Text: (Dec. 11, 1832 - April 21, 1911) The great great grandson of Patrick Henry; served army of the Confederacy before buying tract in Texarkana about 1873. Captain Henry was elected to Texas Senate in 1876. Built first brick home in city; donated site for Methodist church. A leading city attorney for 34 years, securing wide reputation as trial lawyer. All business firms of Texarkana closed in respect at his death. Recorded, 1967 Otis Henry Monument Address: City: Texarkana County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1936 Designations: na Marker Location: Rose Hill Cemetery, on S. Lelia St. Marker Text: -- Hooks Address: City: Hooks County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1969 Designations: na Marker Location: US 82 west edge of Hooks Marker Text: Established about 1848 as a supply center for 5,000-acre plantation of Warren Hooks; 1841-1860 post office for area was Myrtle Springs, home of Hooks' son, Col. Robert W. Hooks, 11th Texas Cavalry, Confederate Army. Post office placed here 1884 was named for Warren Hooks. Farming continued until 1942, when Hooks "boomed" suddenly. Population soared from 400 to 3,000 with opening of Lone Star and Red River Ordnance plants. Economy is diversified, with cotton and soybean production. A religious town, Hooks has sixteen churches. (1969) Hotel McCartney Address: State Line Ave. Architect: Finger,Joseph County: Bowie City: Texarkana Architectural Style: ART DECO; OTHER Narrative: Constructed in a commercial style of building that is typical of the early 20th century, the McCartney Hotel, the tallest building in Texarkana, remains a focal point for that city's skyline. Occupying the first town lot sold within the city, the hotel is located in the hub of the downtown commercial district, prominently sited across from Union Station Terminal, which became a major southwest railway station during the height of rail transportation. The hotel no longer functions as such; however, it has suffered no drastic architectural or interior alterations since construction and remains a fine example of the early 20th century commercial style with outstanding Art Deco interiors. This ten-story, reinforced concrete structure with pre cast concrete
and brick reflects the Chicago School arrangement of base, shaft,
and cornice. The structure is composed of a two-story, polygonal shaped
base from which rises an eight-story tower, the upper floor distinguished
as a cornice through the use of architectural decoration. Oriented
to the traffic and pedestrian flows of the street, the first two floors
of the hotel (base area) are easily accessible from the south, east,
and west facades. The main entrance to the hotel lobby is located
on the south facade directly across from the entrance to Union Station
Terminal. The triple arched openings of both buildings reflect one
another and a strong axial tie is established with this architectural
reinforcement. Secondary entrances on the east and west facades are
defined by single arches and all hotel entrances are protected with
ornate flat canopies supported by decorative cables attached to the
face of the structure. The ground floor is faced with pre-cast concrete
blocks and features large, store front windows separated by stylized
pilasters, also of concrete blocks. Constructed at the height of the Art Deco period, the interior of the structure is an outstanding statement of that era. The first floor housed the hotel lobby and registration desk as well as cafes and other supporting businesses. The second floor offered a mezzanine and ballroom, the latter of which opened onto a roof deck. Floors three through ten, accessible from the lobby by stairs and elevators, were designated as sleeping quarters. The lobby and mezzanine were decorated in a bold display of Art Deco forms and decorative motifs, brilliantly accented in gold and silver. A curved marble staircase with Deco inspired railings connects the lobby and mezzanine, both of which feature marble wainscoting. The ceilings are accented with ornate, three-dimensional cornice moldings and the mezzanine features an elaborate skylight. Performed plaster figures and Deco light fixtures further enhance the overall feeling. The late 1950s and early 1960s saw a cessation of rail passenger
service and an increase in automobile travel. This shift in reliance
from rail to highway decreased the importance of the McCartney's location
and eventually, a lack of patronage closed its doors. In 1976 the
hotel was used as a movie set followed by usage as a storage facility.
The hotel has been zoned historic by the city of Texarkana and the
new owners plan to renovate the building with respect to its historical
integrity, adapting it for use as retail and office space. The McCartney Hotel stands today as a reminder of the thriving commercial and industrial economy Texarkana boasted during the first half of the 20th century. Designed in the grand hotel style of the 1920s by Houston architect Joseph Finger, the hotel is prominently located across from Union Station Terminal, a major railroad center of the southwest. This convenient association enabled a symbiotic relationship to develop between the two structures which are located in the central business district. The hotel was an accommodating establishment for businessmen and tourists alike. Texarkana was established in 1873 at the site where the great Southwest Trail, for centuries the main route from Mississippi River Indian villages to those of the south and west, passed by a Caddo Indian village. In 1874 two major railroads were joined in this city which is located on the state line of Texas and Arkansas. By 1928 four major railroads included Texarkana in the vast network of rails woven across the continent. This railway connection enabled the economy of Texarkana to expand, based on the rich, arable farmland, and abundant and diversified mineral deposits of the area. The site of the McCartney Hotel was the first town lot sold in the city, and was previously occupied by the three- story Cosmopolitan Hotel, noted for its appeal to traveling theatrical troupes and said to have hosted Will Rogers and Lilly Pons. The Cosmopolitan was razed in 1929 by owner W.A. McCartney, Sr. to make way for the larger, more accommodating McCartney Hotel, which remains the tallest building in Texarkana. The reinforced concrete and brick structure became a focal point for the city's skyline. Rising ten stories above the city, the structure bears a modified resemblance to the skyscrapers of the Chicago School. The first two floors relate to the street, the third through eighth floors are identically void of decoration and the top floor is emphasized with window trim and intermittent insertions of balusters at the parapet level. Mr. McCartney was a prominent resident of Texarkana, coming to the city in 1874 at the age of four years. In the 1940s and 1950s McCartney, who had then become known as the city's "unofficial historian," hosted gatherings at the hotel for national, regional, and local dignitaries, civic leaders, business leaders, and friends. From these prestigious meetings grew efforts led by McCartney which eventually resulted in the convergence in Texarkana of four major U.S. highways. Over the last twenty-five years the increase in highway transportation brought about the gradual decline in the importance of Texarkana as a railway center. As a result, the hotel ceased to operate as such in the early 1970s and in 1976 was sold and used for storage. Current plans are to restore the facade of the structure and convert it into retail and office space. Hubbard Home Address: 108 Magnolia St. City: New Boston County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1967 Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark Marker Location: Marker Text: Built 1904 for owner Robt.M. Hubbard. Bayard Witt, architect. Victorian styling, with eight irregular-size gables; leaded glass in bay window. Distinguished visitors have included statesmen and business and social leaders of Texas. Owner R. M. Hubbard was named to Texas Highway Commission in 1918 by Governor W. P. Hobby. He served as chairman until 1925, and was influential in raising highway department standards. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1967 The Jamison Building Address: 523.5 W. Third St. City: Texarkana County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1983 Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark Marker Location: Marker Text: Mississippi-born Dr. Garling Urih Jamison, Sr., (1881-1951) opened this structure in 1930 as Texarkana's first black business and professional office building. Designed by the Texarkana architectural firm of Witt, Seibert, and Halsey, it features an interesting and decorative use of brick. The Jamison Building became a center of economic, cultural, and social life in the city's black community and has remained an important local landmark. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1983 Dr. A. H. A. and Ruby Jones House Address: 1121 South Lake Dr City: Texarkana County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 2002 Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark Marker Location: 1121 South Lake Dr Marker Text: Dr. A. H. A. and Ruby Jones House Ruby Lee Williams (1900-1979) was born in Texarkana to George and Carrie Williams. In 1928, she wed Jamaica-born Austin Hervin Archibald Jones (1901-1962), a successful dentist with a degree from Howard University. Ruby designed this bungalow-style home, utilizing African American craftsmen to build it in 1938. The home features decorative brickwork and a unique cubical tower. The Jones family often opened its home to touring African American entertainers, including Louis Armstrong and Dinah Washington. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2002 Jones-Tyson House Address: 211 Magnolia St. City: New Boston County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1965 Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark Marker Location: Marker Text: North Carolina styling and garden plantings were brought to Bowie County when Jas. W. and Laura Williams Jones built this home in 1883. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1965 Scott Joplin Address: 901 State Line Ave. City: Texarkana County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1976 Designations: na Marker Location: Marker Text: (November 24, 1868 - April 1, 1917) Black composer Scott Joplin, often called the "King of Ragtime Music", was born in Texarkana, Texas, five years before the townsite was platted in 1873. His family lived in this vicinity, and he attended nearby Orr School on Laurel Street. His early musical training came from his father, Giles Joplin, an ex-slave who played the fiddle, and mother, Florence Givens Joplin, who played the banjo. By tradition, a German music teacher realized Joplin's talent and gave him lessons. Joplin left home at age 14 and wandered through the midwest entertaining in saloons and honky-tonks. In the 1890s, he was one of the originators of ragtime, a rhythmic new musical form that combined black and white musical traditions. Joplin's "Maple Leaf Rag", published in 1899, launched ragtime as a national fad. Joplin defended ragtime against those who called it frivolous and worked constantly to refine his music, which included over 30 piano rags. Demand for ragtime had declined by 1917, when Joplin died in New York City. Joplin's background is revealed in his most ambitious work, the black folk opera "Treemonisha", set on a plantation "northeast of the town of Texarkana". It was not produced until the 1970s, when a revival of Joplin's music inspired public recognition of his genius. (1976) Incise on back: Texarkana Joint Bicentennial Commission, Bowie County Historical Commission, Jerry L. Atkins, Nick Demopulos Maud United Methodist Church Address: Main and Flencher St. City: Maud County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1974 Designations: na Marker Location: Marker Text: Organized as a mission by the Rev. Thomas Jefferson Milam of Old Boston, on farm of Jesse M. Ball, Three Springs community, Aug. 10, 1874. Original meetinghouse was built immediately on Ball's property. Samuel D. Knapp (1841?-1922), a charter member, founded town of Maud, and was its first postmaster. He donated present site, and the building was moved here in 1880. The mission became a church in 1897. A tornado razed second building in 1914. Present sanctuary, fourth for the church, was erected in 1940 with funds given by Miss Jennie Tapp, and was enlarged in 1956. (1974) Dan LaFayette McDuffie Address: City: New Boston County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1967 Designations: na Marker Location: Reed Hill Cemetery, 1 mi. south of New Boston Marker Text: (February 16, 1883 - July 7, 1931) Last Ranger killed on duty in East Texas oil boom of 1930's. A third generation enforcement officer; learned methods, skills from an uncle, Texarkana police chief. Held first office at 18. Won fame in 1923 amnesty, when 82 liquor stills were turned in. Spent 30 years as county peace officer, railroad special agent, and Texas Ranger. Known for his fearless courage, integrity. Met death on duty in a kidnapping case, when caught in gunfire. Recorded, 1967 Moores-Burke-Ragland Home Address: 802 Main St. City: Texarkana County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1978 Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark Marker Location: Marker Text: This residence was erected in 1895 for Rachel Perry Godbold Moores (1830-1904). Her husband David (1827-1892) was a member of the pioneer Moores family. Henry Koerner designed the Neo-Classical house with decorative fish scale shingling. The interior has elegant parquet flooring. Robert Emmett Burke bought the house in 1904. It was occupied from 1920 to 1965 by the S. M. Ragland family. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1978 Town of Nash Address: City: Nash County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1970 Designations: na Marker Location: US 82, corner of US 82 and S. Pecan Marker Text: Begun about 1873; first named "T. C. Junction" for its location on Transcontinental Division of Texas & Pacific Railroad. In 1884 post office was established and named "Park", after Dr. J. N. Parker, the first postmaster. First school started 1885 in single room. New buildings have been erected in 1904, 1924, 1967. In 1906 the town was named in honor of Martin Manny Nash, division superintendent of Texas & Pacific. Noted resident was Dr. Joseph Abner Dodd (1871-1944), who served 6 terms in Texas House of Representatives. Present town population stands at 2,000. (1970) Incise on back: Nash Chapter, Texas Senior citizens Association, Bowie County Historical Survey Committee New Boston Address: City: New Boston County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1971 Designations: na Marker Location: US 82 in center of New Boston in front of city parking lot Marker Text: Established as shipping point when Texas & Pacific Railroad was built across Bowie County in 1870s, drawing business from original town of Boston (4 mi. S). New Boston townsite was platted in 1876; its post office opened Jan. 26, 1877, with L. C. DeMorse as postmaster. Baptists organized church here in 1880; Methodists, 1883; Church of Christ, 1943. The first building designed as a school was erected in 1886. New Boston men who have served in the Texas Legislature: Blair McGee (1889); Norman L. Dalby (1909-1910); R. M. Hubbard (1929, 1931), and Joseph White, Jr. (1939). (1971) Incise on back: Marker Sponsors: Veterans of World War I, Bowie County Barracks #1657, Their Auxiliary, and The Bowie County Historical Survey Committee Offenhauser Building Address: State Line Ave. and Third St. City: Texarkana County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1965 Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark Marker Location: Texarkana Historical Museum Marker Text: First brick structure in Texarkana, built about 1879 for First National Bank. On second floor was Kelsey & Offenhauser Insurance Agency. Here in 1883, pioneer businessman F. W. Offenahuser, later a leading agent in Texas and Arkansas, wrote his first insurance policy. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1965 Offenhauser Insurance Building Address: State Line Ave. and 3rd St. Architect: Unknown County: Bowie City: Texarkana Architectural Style: OTHER Narrative: The Offenhauser Insurance Building is a three story brick structure with inset, arcaded walkways on the north and west sides of the structure. The structure, which is bounded on the east by Stateline Avenue, on the west by Pine Street, by Third Street on the north and Fourth Street on the south. The principal facade, or south elevation faces a triangular shaped space know as Offenhauser 'square' and now used for parking. This structure, which is a 1901 building, incorporates and earlier
late 1870s two-story brick structure into its fabric. This earlier
1870s bank structure occupied the central three bays of the south
facade and the rhythm of the earlier fenestration was carried over
into the 1901 rebuilding. Pecan Point Signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence Address: City: Hooks County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1969 Designations: na Marker Location: Off IH-30 near a Stuckey's "park" Marker Text: Five of the most prominent delegates to the Constitutional Convention of Texas, held March, 1836, hailed from Pecan Point, in this vicinity. Richard Ellis (an attorney and judge) was chosen president of the meeting and later served four terms in the Senate of the Republic. Collin McKinney (a magistrate) helped draft the declaration and served three terms in the house. A. H. Latimer (an attorney) served two terms. Samuel Price Carson (attorney) became Texas' Secretary of State and with Robert Hamilton (financier) was an agent to the United States. (1969) Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church Address: City: New Boston vicinity County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1982 Designations: na Marker Location: off SH 8 about 4 mi. north of New Boston at Pleasant Hill Cemetery Marker Text: Blacks in the area north of New Boston have been served by this church since its organization in Feb. 1872 by the Rev. Forrest Hooks, the first pastor for the 14 charter members. According to oral histories, the fellowship first met near this site in a log cabin on land belonging to Abram Ellis, former slave of Texas Independence patriot Richard Ellis. The current building was erected in 1912-13, during the pastorate of the Rev. W. M. Sexton, on land acquired from Mr. and Mrs. N. A. Williams, son-in-law and daughter of Richard Ellis. Charter member Bob Tiller donated land for the nearby church cemetery. Records show that a school opened at Pleasant Hill in 1903, probably in the log cabin which first housed Pleasant Hill Church. A school building was erected in 1928 next to this sanctuary, but was moved when the school at Pleasant Hill consolidated with the New Boston School District. Through the years Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church has provided a focal point for the rural community. Membership peaked during the 1920s, but worship services for the small congregation continue to be held on the fourth Sunday of every month as they have been since the church's early days. (1982) Incise on back: Charter Members: Bob Tiller, Henry Sims, Frank ware, Sam Whitfield, Annis Ellis, Sarah Ellis, Patsy Ellis, Charlotte Ellis, Mary Sims, Belle Smith, Louisa Justice, Mary Ware, Charity Singleton, Laura Tiller Red Bayou Methodist Church Address: City: New Boston vicinity County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1995 Designations: na Marker Location: 2 mi. north of New Boston on SH 8 Marker Text: This rural congregation constructed its first church building on land donated by Mr. & Mrs. J. M. C. Yates in 1861. The log building, located at the present-day site of Red Bayou Cemetery, also served as a school. In its early years the church held camp meetings on a regular basis; families arrived in wagons, buggies, and on horseback to camp together under brush arbors for three to four weeks at a time. Worship services were conducted by circuit-riding preachers, among whom were the Rev. Jester White, the Rev. McDougle, and the Rev. Charles Edgar Lamb. In 1882 the church established a mission church known as Tapp Memorial in the nearby community of New Boston. Sometime prior to 1912 a new frame church building was built at the site of the original structure. The new church building also served as a schoolhouse until 1922. In 1938 the frame building was relocated to this site due to expansion of the Red Bayou Cemetery. Sunday School classrooms were added to the building in 1948 and again in 1952. In 1953 the congregation acquired a parsonage and called its first full-time pastor. A fellowship hall was added in 1987. Red Bayou United Methodist Church continues to serve the community with various outreach programs. Sesquicentennial of Texas Statehood 1845 - 1995 Red Lick Methodist Church Address: City: Nash vicinity County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1992 Designations: na Marker Location: 2 mi. west of Nash on US 82, then 2.5 mi. north on FM 2148 Marker Text: According to oral tradition, the Red Lick Methodist Episcopal Church, South, was founded in 1885. Church services have taken place at this site, upon land donated by the Bob Bonner family, since the 1890s. During the early years the group met in a combination church/school/lodge structure. Women and men sat on opposite sides of the building, and baptism by immersion was performed in a nearby pond. The group changed its name to Red Lick United Methodist Church in 1968. It continues to play an important role in the community's religious life. (1992) Redwater Address: City: Redwater County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1975 Designations: na Marker Location: intersection of US 67 and FM 991 Marker Text: The first community in this area was Mooresville (2 mi. E), settled in 1840 by the Charles Moores (1776-1852) family. It had disappeared before this town grew up near the Daniels and Spence sawmill in 1875. Because of mill workers' disregard for religion, the village was first named Ingersoll for the famous agnostic of that day, Robert Green Ingersoll (1833-99). A branch of the St. Louis Southwestern (Cotton Belt) Railway arrived here in the late 1870s, attracting more upstanding citizens. William Thomas Fagan built two more sawmills in the early 1880s. English-born Earnest Thomas Page (1860-1937) opened a general store, which also housed the town's first post office (1881) Church-going townspeople objected to the name Ingersoll and suggested changing it to Redwater, for the color of spring and well water in the area. A town vote in 1894 made Redwater the official name. In 1914 a tornado destroyed many businesses here, but Redwater quickly rebuilt. The economy was based on farming and lumbering until 1941, when the Red River Army Ammunition Depot and Lone Star Ordnance plant were built just north of town. The opening of the International Paper Mill in the 1970s has created new interest in lumbering and tree farming. (1975) Rialto Building Address: 317 State Line Ave. Architect: Unknown County: Bowie City: Texarkana Architectural Style: CLASSICAL REVIVAL Narrative: The Rialto Building at 317 State Line Avenue in Texarkana, Texas is a three-story, early twentieth century vernacular, commercial building which exhibits a minor Classical Revival influence and is distinguished by its unusual wedge-shaped plan. The three-story structure stands in the commercial center of Texarkana immediately west of the Texas-Arkansas border, appropriately delineated by State Liane Avenue. When originally completed, the building featured brick, load bearing walls; however, a stucco finish was applied to the exterior in 1934. Despite this alteration, as well as other modifications which include the replacement of the original windows, the Rialto Building still retains much of its early twentieth century character. The building's most distinctive feature is its overall plan which
conforms to the wedge-shaped lot on which it was built. Although many
local citizens are quick to point out its similarities with the Flatiron
Buildings in New York and Ft. Worth, the Rialto Building, in reality,
displays only a minimal likeness to these structures. The Rialto Building
is much smaller in scale than the others, and its plan is not a triangle
- the east elevation is actually a series of set- back, right-angle
bays. Nonetheless, when viewed from the south, the building's unusual
plan is evident. The Rialto Building is located at the southwest corner of State Line Avenue and Fourth Street at the northern edge of Texarkana's early downtown. The structure faces east onto State Line Avenue which is lined with commercial buildings. One of Texarkana's residential neighborhoods is a few blocks west of the Rialto, but the Rialto stands in a predominately commercial setting. Immediately south of the Rialto Building the eight-story Grim Hotel, Texarkana's tallest building, dwarfs the Rialto. A parking lot is to the west, while the First Methodist Church complex stands to the north. The Rialto Building at 317 State Line Avenue is a good example of
an early twentieth century, vernacular commercial building in Texarkana
but is particularly noteworthy for its uncommon wedge-shaped plan.
Built in 1901 for George W. Fouke, the three-story masonry structure
stands today as one of the oldest extant commercial buildings in the
city and is a vivid reminder of Texarkana's most successful businessman
at the turn of the century, and he built the Rialto Building to serve
as offices although it was later converted into apartments. In 1924
the structure was sold to a group of physicians and eventually became
known as the Medical Arts Building. Still in use as medical offices,
the Rialto Building stands today in good condition and is one of a
very few late nineteenth and early twentieth century commercial buildings
in the city which retains much of its original character. Old Rialto Building Rochelle Place Address: City: Texarkana vicinity County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1966 Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark Marker Location: 9 miles northwest of Texarkana on Myrtle Springs Rd. Marker Text: On land settled 1811 and later patented in Republic of Texas by M. H. Janes. Built 1866 by Charles M. Rochelle, husband of Janes' daughter, Elizabeth. Home of their son, state legislator Wm. C. Rochelle, and descendants. Unique fireplace mantel was hand-hewn by slaves. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1966 Rose Hill Cemetery Address: City: Texarkana County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1969 Designations: na Marker Location: Lelia St., north side of cemetery Marker Text: One of the oldest cemeteries in Texarkana. Founded as "City Cemetery" in 1874, shortly after the town was established in December, 1873. Here lie the remains of some of the city's first citizens-- plantation owners, the livery stable owner, country doctors, lawyers, the cabinet maker, and 2 known members of the Texas legislature. About 70 Confederate soldiers and 3 known Union soldiers are also interred here. Other burials include victims of the 1882 Paragon Saloon disaster, which occurred when a storm caused a nearby building to collapse, thus starting a fire. In 1889 the Rose Hill Cemetery Association was formed to beautify and maintain the tract. A very impressive monument marks the grave of Otis Henry, a young World War I soldier. The grave of Captain Francis Marion Henry, one of the city fathers and a great-great-grandson of American Patriot Patrick Henry, is marked by a Texas historical marker. The center-drive lots are reserved for designated soldiers and veterans of World Wars I and II from Bowie County, Texas and Miller County, Arkansas. Many of the older graves are placed in cement "cradles", a surviving custom of earlier times, as is the secluded atmosphere of this heart-of-town plot. (1969) Roseborough Lake Site Address: Address Restricted Architect: County: Bowie City: Texarkana Architectural Style: NO STYLE LISTED Site of the Home of Hardin R. Runnels Address: City: New Boston vicinity County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1936 Designations: na Marker Location: 6 miles east of New Boston on US 82, on U.S. Government reservation Marker Text: Governor of Texas, 1857-1859. The house was built in 1853. Destroyed by fire in 1914. Here Governor Runnels died. He was buried nearby. His remains were later removed to the State Cemetery at Austin. Howell W. Runnels Home Address: 1402 W. 9th St. City: Texarkana County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1964 Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark Marker Location: Marker Text: Built about 1874 with open hall, wide verandas. Owner came to Texas Republic in 1842. Was in Legislature 1857-59. His wife, former Martha C. B. Adams, acted as first lady of Texas during term of brother-in-law, Governor Hardin R. Runnels, 1857-59. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1964 Martha Adams Runnels Address: City: Texarkana County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1969 Designations: na Marker Location: Rose Hill Cemetery, on Lelia St. Marker Text: (March 26, 1836 - July 19, 1907) A first lady of Texas. Wife of H. W. Runnels, member of legislature 1857-59. During these years she and husband lived in Governor's Mansion, where she was the official hostess for her bachelor brother-in-law, Gov. Hardin Richard Runnels. Recorded - 1969 Incise on base: Erected by Lone Star Chapter Daughters of American Revolution and Bowie County Historical Survey Committee. Saenger Theater Address: 219 Main St. Architect: Weil,Emil; Brashears Construction Co. County: Bowie City: Texarkana Architectural Style: OTHER Narrative: The Saenger Theater, located at Third and Main Streets (219 Main St.) was the largest and most opulent of any of the numerous theaters built in Texarkana. It was built in 1924 by the Saenger Amusement Company, based in New Orleans, La. The theater was designed by Emil Weil of New Orleans, architect, who had Alfred A. Lennox in charge during construction. The general contractor was the Brashears Construction Company of Texarkana, whose offices were at 310 Presbyterian Building. The auditorium was one of the largest in the South, having a clear
span of ninety feet between walls. Built of steel, concrete and brick,
the theater encompasses 24,120 square feet. There were 1,675 seats,
788 on the main floor and 887 in the balcony, 200-300 of which have
been removed. The contractor for the theater seating was the American
Seating Company. Saenger Theatre Harvey C. Sanders, C. S. A. Address: City: New Boston vicinity County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1965 Designations: na Marker Location: roadside park about 8 mi. north on SH 8 from New Boston Marker Text: Native of Kentucky. In Civil War, fought at Shiloh, Chickamauga and other battles. After being wounded twice, became a guard at Confederate White House. When Richmond fell on April 3, 1865, was placed in escort for the departing president. Rode 5 weeks toward Florida, where President Jefferson Davis was planning to sail for Mexico to join many other Confederate leaders. (These Southerners intended to regroup an army, march north to Texas and continue their fight for states' rights.) President Davis and his guards were followed by thieves trying to steal the Confederate treasury, the horses and the wagons. The assassination of Abraham Lincoln on April 14 and the offer of a reward of $100,000 caused many adventurers to hunt for President Davis. Just before dawn on May 10, near Irwinsville, Ga., Federals captured him and his party, including 2 Texans, Postmaster-General John H. Reagan and Presidential Aide F. R. Lubbock, a former Governor of Texas. Mrs. Davis and children were soon freed, but all the men were imprisoned. Sanders was released in a year. Later he came to Texas and lived near this site after 1887-- honored for years as the last man of the Davis bodyguard. (1965) St. James Episcopal Church Address: 417 Olive St. City: Texarkana County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1977 Designations: na Marker Location: Marker Text: Local Episcopalians met on Oct. 30, 1876, at the Marquand Hotel to organize this congregation. The first parish meeting was held April 2, 1877. Citizens of all faiths contributed funds for the first church building, erected on property donated by the Texas & Pacific Railroad. A second edifice, built in 1893-94, was altered and enlarged in 1910 and 1926. St. James has established or supported at least seven other churches in this area. This parish pioneered in aid to the elderly and other community services. (1977) Incise on back: Sponsored by The Vestry; Richard L. Hartshorn and Charles Terry, Wardens; Richard C. Allen, Rector; Bowie County Historical Commission Texarkana Address: 819 State Line Ave. City: Texarkana County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1973 Designations: na Marker Location: Marker Text: Founded when Texas & Pacific railroad platted townsite and held sale of lots on Dec. 8, 1873, to open regional shipping point. Strategically located on famed Indian trail from the Mississippi to Mexico, site had already been named (for its Texas-Arkansas-Louisiana trade area) by several persons-- a physician, a priest, a surveyor, a medicine show barker, a statesman, and others. City was incorporated in Texas on June 12, 1874; in Arkansas, Oct. 17, 1880. It advanced rapidly in business and social facilities. In a century, it has grown from 40 persons at townsite auction to over 52,000. (1973) Incise on back: Sponsored by Texarkana Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitors Bureau, Bowie County Historical Survey Committee Texarkana Phase Archeological District Address: Address Restricted Architect: County: Bowie City: Texarkana Texarkana Union Station Address: State Line and Front St. Architect: Tucker,E.M.; Butterworth,A.B. County: AR0091 City: Texarkana Architectural Style: RENAISSANCE Trammel's Trace Address: City: Texarkana vicinity County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1965 Designations: na Marker Location: 2 mi. north of Texarkana on US 59/71 Marker Text: Entered Texas at this point. The 1813 road from St. Louis brought in great numbers of pioneers: Stephen F. Austin, his settlers, Sam Houston, James Bowie, David Crockett and others who died in the Texas Revolution. >From here pointed southwest. Crossed the Sulphur at Epperson ferry, going south to Nacogdoches, linking "Southwest Trail" with the King's Highway to Mexico. Surveyed by Nicholas Trammel (born in Nashville, Tenn., 1780; died, LaGrange, Texas, 1852), one of a family of U. S. surveyors and scouts. Mapped many trails, but only this one bears his name. (1965) United States Post Office and Courthouse Address: 5th St. at State Line Ave. City: Texarkana County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1970 Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark Marker Location: Marker Text: Currently, only Federal office building to straddle state line. Present Texas-Arkansas state boundary (established in 1841 by United States and Republic of Texas) passes through center. Each state had separate post offices until 1892, when first joint office was built on this site. It was razed in 1930, and in 1933 the present structure was completed. The base is of Texas pink granite while walls are of limestone from Arkansas. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1970 Wavell's Colony Address: City: Texarkana County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1969 Designations: na Marker Location: Off IH 30, near N. State Line Ave. Marker Text: Projected in 1826 by General Arthur G. Wavell, Scottish-born soldier of fortune. By terms of a Mexican grant, he agreed to introduce 400-500 families into an area on the Red River. Ben Milam, frontiersman, was agent. Many pioneers were actually brought in, but because Mexico and the U. S. disputed part of the grant, no titles were ever issued by Wavell. Some settlers, however, later received titles from the Republic of Texas. The colony included virtually all of present Bowie, Red River counties (Tex.), Miller county (Ark.), and possibly others to the west. (1969) Whitaker House Address: 517 Whitaker St. Architect: Whitaker,Benjamin Franklin County: Bowie City: Texarkana Architectural Style: LATE VICTORIAN Narrative: The Whitaker House is a two-story frame Victorian structure which faces east on Whitaker Street. The plan is irregular with five bedrooms upstairs and a large central hall. The first floor has six rooms, a kitchen, and two halls. A large central hall extends from the entry to a portion of the back porch. Most of the rooms on the first floor have ornate plaster moldings and Eastlake influenced carved walnut woodwork. All doors have their original brass hardware, some with black glass knobs. Other doors are large sliding doors. The main staircase is free-standing with three landings and large
newel posts. Two smaller staircases are in the house, one is the back
staircase from the kitchen and the other leads to a fully floored
attic with stained glass windows. There had been ten fireplaces but
only three remain. The mantles for these remaining fireplaces were
imported from Italy when the house was built and are slate and marble
with some gold leaf trim. The gas fixtures have been removed but the
pipes for a carbide system for lighting still extend from the ceilings.
Most windows are 2/2 double hung, those downstairs and the back door
have small panes of stained glass above. The front door has a transom
of 40 panes of stained glass. The Whitaker-House is an excellent example of late Victorian architecture
and was built by Benjamin F. Whitaker prior to 1890. Whitaker was
also a prominent figure in the commercial growth of Texarkana and
took an active part in state politics. The home has been known as
a local showplace from as early as 1904. Whitaker House World War I Memorial Address: City: Texarkana County: Bowie Year Marker Erected: 1936 Designations: na Marker Location: 6th and Olive St. in Sheppard Park Marker Text: In memory of the men from Bowie County, Texas and Miller County, Arkansas, who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of their country in the World War 1917-1918. They and their comrades fought not for selfish gain nor for one foot of added territory, but for the highest ideal ever upheld by man--the peace of the world. This monument is a symbol of the praise and gratitude which they so justly merit which will forever be accorded them by their countryment. Erected by the Texarkana Memorial Unit, an organization of women banded together to honor their loyalty, their service and the devotion. November 1936. |
© 2004 - 2009 Elaine Martin
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