Step back in time on Tex/Ark state line

Texarkana Museum of Regional History rich in rare artifacts

The Texarkana Museum of Regional History, located just on the Texas side of the state line within site of the two-state courthouse, is rich in artifacts from the city and area and gives visitors a good idea of how things have operated in a town located in two states over the years.

In historic photos and paintings, the museum is often a focal point with the building itself being as historic in the downtown area as the artifacts it houses. The museum has recently undergone some exhibit changes on the first floor to keep things updated as new items are donated by long-time residents and families.

Two eye-catching items when entering the first-floor exhibit area are old phone switchboards with the cords and huge plug-ins to connect the different lines. A fan of The Andy Griffith Show can easily picture Sarah, the never-seen switchboard operator who seemed to be on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, sitting at one of these devices, plugging in the local residents as well as calls to Mount Pilot.

Several old artifacts from generations gone by are on display as well. Many of these were pieces that were probably stored in family attics and cedar chests and would have otherwise been discarded if they had not been donated to the museum. Some families’ trash has become the treasure of the museum.

Several historic events took place in the Texarkana area, and with the city sitting on the Arkansas and Texas state lines, the word “regional” in the title is appropriate.

The second floor contains an interesting military exhibit with old uniforms, swords and small items being donated by a lot of family members. This exhibit also highlights the history of some of Texarkana’s more prominent and famous citizens. The museum is Texarkana’s first and oldest museum and also has historical exhibits from the time of the Caddo Indians to the present.

Yet another exhibit highlights the musical history of the Texarkana area, including the story of native son Scott Joplin, the “Father of Ragtime.”

The museum is also the home of the Wilbur Smith Research Library.