Why? Texarkana is really two cities where State Line Avenue joins Texarkana, AR with Texarkana, TX; twin cities located in two sates and named for three.
 
Another of our famous mottos: Texarkana is “Twice As Nice”, appropriately conveys the political structure here. There are two of most everything: two city mayors, two city governments, two police departments, and two fire departments. Texarkana is a thriving metro-center serving nineteen counties in four states. A diversified economy is supported by manufacturing, agriculture, medical, transportation, and retail. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the moderate climate and a variety of recreational and entertainment activities.

Who named Texarkana is up for debate. The popular version credits Colonel Gus Knobel who surveyed this section for the Iron Mountain Railroad right-of-way from Little Rock. The story goes that Colonel Knobel wrote Tex-Ark-Ana on a board and nailed it to a tree and remarked that this was the name of the town which was going to be built here.

Here's the rest of the story in case you're wondering. Colonel Knobel reckoned he was at or near the spot where the borders of three states met. So he named the city after these states - Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana.

We welcome you to discover our very unique city! A visit to Texarkana reveals a host of historic treasures; ten annual festivals; entertainment from performing arts, stock car races, hockey, and art exhibits; shopping; great outdoors and sports; wonderful restaurants; and a heaping of “Southern Hospitality!” For Texarkana must see attractions, check out “10 Texarkana Must Do’s” and “Things to see and do” at this website!

For additional info about Texarkana not found on this website, contact the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce, 819 State Line Avenue, Texarkana, AR-TX 75501;email: chamber@texarkana.org; or phone (toll free) 877-275-5289.

We look forward to your visit!

Back a Page  |  Top of Page