Facts for Kids

Texarkana is a city located in the United States, split between Texas and Arkansas! 🌟

This unique city gets its name from a combination of "Texas" and "Arkansas," plus the word "Kana," which means "place." Texarkana is known for its friendly people and fun activities. It has a population of about 36,000 people, living in both states. 🌆

The city is famous for its two post offices that are located on either side of the state line! This means you can stand with one foot in Texas and the other in Arkansas! How cool is that? 🥳

In Texarkana, you can find many historic landmarks to explore! 🏛

️ One famous spot is the United States Post Office and Courthouse, built in 1933. This building is very special because it sits right on the state line, with one half in Texas and the other in Arkansas! 🌎

Another cool spot is the Texarkana Historic District, where you can see buildings from the early 1900s. People also love visiting the Perot Theatre, a historic venue that hosts concerts and shows! 🎭

These places remind everyone of Texarkana's amazing history and stories!

The economy of Texarkana is bustling with various industries! Some important sectors include retail, healthcare, and transportation. 🏬

There are many shops and companies providing jobs to the local community. The area also has major trucking and distribution businesses because of its location between big cities like Dallas and Little Rock. Texarkana is also known for farming and livestock, as the land is great for growing crops! 🌾

This means that fresh fruits and vegetables are often found at local markets. Everybody loves a tasty treat! 🍏

Texarkana's history began in the 1870s when it was created as a railroad town. 🚂

The Texas and Pacific Railway decided to build tracks, and soon people started to come to the area looking for jobs and a new home. The town was officially recognized in 1880. Over time, it became a popular meeting spot for travelers and traders. In 1881, Texarkana was incorporated, and its status as a bi-state city started to grow. By the 1900s, it was thriving with shops, schools, and parks! 🌳

Today, it celebrates its unique history with events and festivals every year! 🎉

Texarkana offers many education options for children! 📚

There are several public and private schools in both Texas and Arkansas. The Texarkana Independent School District (TISD) serves many local children, with schools like Texas High School and College Hill Middle School. 🏫

There are also options for those wanting to learn more about skills, like the Red River Army Depot and the Texarkana College. 🎓

The community values education and offers many after-school programs to help kids develop their talents and interests!

Texarkana is situated at the intersection of Texas and Arkansas, making it super special! 🗺

️ The city is near the Red River and surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful trees. The climate here is humid subtropical, meaning it gets hot and humid summers with temperatures often reaching over 90°F (32°C)! 🌞

Winters are mild, with temperatures usually around 40°F (4°C) to 60°F (15°C). It also rains quite a bit, averaging around 45 inches every year! 🌧

️ This mixture of weather makes Texarkana a great place for outdoor fun!

In Texarkana, there are plenty of sports and recreation options! ⚽

Kids can join soccer, baseball, and basketball teams at local parks. There are also great parks for playing outside, like Spring Lake Park, where you can enjoy picnics or go for a hike. 🥾

For those who prefer indoor activities, the city offers swimming pools and a recreation center with fun games! 🏊

Texarkana loves sports so much that they have local high school teams, fostering school spirit and friendly competition. 🎉

There's always something exciting for everyone!

Texarkana is rich in culture and has many fun events throughout the year! 🎉

One popular event is the Four States Fair & Rodeo, held every September. Here, families can enjoy rides, games, and great food! 🍔

There are also festivals like the Texas/Arkansas State Line Festival, celebrating the unique friendship between the two states! 🎊

The city also promotes local artists through art walks and music events, bringing people together for fun and creativity. Texarkana loves its traditions and the joy of celebrating as a community! 🤗

Texarkana has been home to many notable people! 🌟

One famous musician, Johnny Cash, who is a legendary country singer, was born in nearby Kingsland but has ties to Texarkana! Another notable figure is Scott Joplin, known as the "King of Ragtime." 🎹 He was a famous composer who created popular music in the early 1900s. Texarkana has also produced many athletes, including famous football players like Jerry Rice. 🏈

These individuals inspire the community and show that Texarkana can nurture talent in various fields!

Texarkana has great transportation options! 🚗

There are highways like Interstate 30, making it easy to travel between Texas and Arkansas. The city is also served by railroads for shipping goods. 🚂

If you want to fly, Texarkana Regional Airport is nearby, helping people travel quickly! There are also local buses for getting around town. 🚌

The city's infrastructure supports schools, parks, and shops, making it a nice place to live and visit. Plus, Texarkana has well-kept roads and bridges for drivers to navigate safely!