Marshall can be explored through a variety of traces: historic homes, museums, railroad architecture and routes through the city. You can focus on culture and history or add individual walks and event offerings. The following stops show which themes you can discover in Marshall.
Historic Homes and Museums
The Starr Family Home State Historic Site presents 150 years of the Starr family’s history in Texas through several buildings. Built in 1871, the house at the Starr Family Home State Historic Site is designed in the Greek Revival style. Another guided tour takes you on foot through the grounds and gardens. This means the focus is not only on the history of a particular house but also on the areas outside the building. The term Greek Revival refers to an architectural style inspired by Greek models.
The thematic scope of the Service & Sacrifice Gallery ranges from the Civil War to the War on Terror. More than 22 exhibits cover the major American conflicts of this period. Those interested in the history of the United States will find a broad historical overview here, while the Starr Family Home focuses on a single family and several buildings.
Exhibits in the historic 1901 courthouse offer another historical perspective. Caddo pottery, pioneer records, religious artifacts, tools, photographs and household items tell the story of Harrison County from 1839 onward. The different objects provide insights into various aspects of the county’s history. The Michelson Museum of Art was established in Marshall as a permanent home for the work of Leo Michelson. Boogie-woogie music is also part of Marshall’s cultural heritage: the city is connected to its history and origins.
Railroad and City History
The Texas & Pacific Depot, a passenger depot, was built in 1911–1912 at the junction of the lines to Texarkana and Louisiana. To this day, it remains an important symbol of Marshall’s relationship with the railroad. Railroad history thus complements the city’s other historical themes with a look at the rail connections that met at the depot.
The current Memorial City Hall building was constructed in 1927. Nationally known performers have also appeared on the Memorial City Hall stage. The Memorial City Hall Performance Center offers live music, theater and cultural events; the program changes. The Memorial City Hall Galleries are open Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Other times may be available by appointment. Check visiting hours before planning your visit.
Routes and Walks
The Buard History Trail is a driving tour of significant sites in African American history in Marshall. Stops include Wiley College, New Town and Old Powder Mill Cemetery; interpretive panels mark each stop. The Lale Trail is designed for both driving and a partial walking tour. The route goes through historic downtown Marshall. The two routes therefore differ mainly in that the Buard History Trail is explicitly designed as a driving tour, while the Lale Trail also includes sections on foot.
For another option for walking or jogging, Smith Park has a paved concrete path. In the area around Marshall, boat tours through the bayous of Caddo Lake are also highlighted as an excursion option. These routes and activities have different focuses: the named trails offer a way to explore the city’s history, while the boat tours center on the bayous of Caddo Lake.
Events Throughout the Year
Wonderland of Lights is a month-long festival in downtown Marshall, held annually. It begins with the official lighting of the Harrison County Courthouse on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Offerings include train rides, ice skating, carousel rides, free face painting for children and horse-drawn carriage rides through downtown. The range of activities makes the festival a distinct event highlight in the city center. Check the dates for the relevant year before visiting.
The FireAnt Festival also offers a reason to include an event program in your plans. It features the long-distance TourDeFireAnt bike ride. As the festival program may change from one edition to the next, it is worth checking the details of the relevant edition if you want to plan for the ride.
For the broader travel overview: Harrison County.
