It isn’t the easternmost portal into the state of Texas, but it’s likely the best known owing to its conjunctive name and unique attractions.
Straddling the Texas-Arkansas border along I-30, Texarkana boasts two mayors, two police forces and two fire departments; is listed on historic preservation registers in the counties of two states; and has national historic district designations in both of those states. Hence its motto, “Twice as Nice.” However, the duality doesn’t end there.
The dividing line between Texas and Arkansas follows State Line Avenue — until you reach the 500 block, that is, where the north-south roadway parts at the U.S. Post Office and Federal Building. This prominent structure, built in 1931, sits precisely in the center of the avenue and serves both states.
No other federal building in the country is situated in two states, and folks interested in roadside oddities get a kick out of the photo op set up outside. The post office inside has been beautifully maintained, and tours are free during regular business hours. Special tours are also available by appointment.
Left Built in 1884, the Ace of Clubs House has three groups of octagonal rooms — meant to resemble the leaves of a club — opening on a rotunda backed by long rectangular rooms. Right The immense shoe collection of Mrs. Olivia Smith Moore.
Two blocks to the west is the Draughon-Moore House, better known as the Ace of Clubs House. Legend has it that Confederate veteran and early Texarkana mayor James Draughon built his residence in 1885 with $10,000 won in a game of poker with an ace of clubs. The 22-sided building features three octagonal-shaped wings joined by a rectangular wing that, when viewed from above, resembles the puppyfoot from a deck of playing cards.
The house operates today as a museum, with each room restored to represent a different time period in the history of the home. In addition to the period restorations and grand stairway inside, visitors can view the immense shoe collection of Mrs. Olivia Smith Moore, who owned more than 500 pairs of shoes from Dallas’ exclusive retailer Neiman Marcus.
The Perot Theatre, built in 1924 by the Saenger Amusement Company, closed in 1977 but was reopened after a $2.5 million restoration.
Venture south in the Arts and Historic District, and you’ll come to the elegant Perot Theatre, which has stood on Main Street for more than nine decades. Built in 1924 by the Saenger Brothers of Louisiana, the Italian Renaissance structure was fashioned as a combination house with facilities to host live acts as well as feature films.
The Perot closed in 1977 but reopened in 1980 following a $2.5 million restoration funded in part by the Perot Foundation, whose founder, H. Ross Perot, is a Texarkana native. The per- forming arts theater host concerts, musicals, plays and other performances year-round.
Of course, if you cross the line into Texas’ neighboring state to visit the P. J. Ahern House, tour the 1894 City Market or even enjoy a Haunted Texarkana Ghost Walk, just make sure you come on back to the flip side.
