AHS senior reflects on Texarkana

Texarkana can be pointed out for the obvious unique feature—one side of the town is in Arkansas, and one side is in Texas— but that only is the beginning of our city’s rich, intricate culture.

Texarkana has a past that is being brought to life through the efforts of the citizens, yet is growing into the future with more and more additions and features added every year. Not only is Texarkana dipping into two states, it is crossing into time’s own barriers!

What is created from a city with two state loyalties, a fine past and a growing future? A community. Texarkana may be the road to all cities in the Ark-La-Tex area, but the homegrown citizens of Texarkana are the thriving source of Texarkana’s charm, expansion, and comradery. In Texarkana, you will see the latest food shops—Chipotle, anyone?—but the local businesses, boutiques and organizations help pull Texarkana together as a community. You will see a place for everyone, because Texarkana has grown into what the citizens have wanted it to be. There are four surrounding school districts, historic Downtown, plazas for days and you can still walk in Old Tyme Burger Shoppe for local hospitality and southern food.

The community of Texarkana may not be the first thing that pops into anyone’s mind when crossing the state line, but the inner workings of our compassionate town is what will continue to allow Texarkana to maintain for years to come, with only growth in the future. The fun rivalries—How about the annual Texas vs. Arkansas game?—or the town meetings, balls, churches, charities and events are all what maintains the timeless sense of Texarkana as it continues on as a home for families or simply a resting stop before heading off to Dallas or Little Rock.

Despite the divided line of the city, the loyalty and pride of coming from the Twin Cities will always be present in the town of two states, four school districts, three colleges, one water park, a shared downtown and one dedicated community of Texarkanians.