Texarkana: A Dual-State Gem

• HelloHowdy
  [haw-dee]
• GoodbyeSee ya later
  [see ya lay-ter]
• YesYessir
  [yes-sir]
• NoNah
  [nuh]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem
  [pleez/no prob-lem]
• Thank youThank ya
  [thank yuh]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon me/My bad
  [par-dun me/my bad]
• How are you?Howdy, y'all doin'?
  [haw-dee, yawl doin']
• Fine. And you?Jus' fine. How 'bout you?
  [jus fine. how bout yuh]
• Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [yah speak ing-lish]
• I don't understandI ain't catchin' on
  [eye aint catch-in on]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I check out the menu?
  [kan eye chek out the men-yoo]
• I don't eat meatI don't eat no meat
  [eye dont eat no meat]
• Cheers!Here's to ya!
  [heers to yuh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI need to settle up
  [eye need to set-tul up]

• Help!Help me out!
  [help me out]
• Go away!Git gone!
  [git gone]
• Call the Police!Call the fuzz!
  [call the fuzz]
• Call a doctor!Call a doc!
  [call a doc]
• I'm lostI'm turned around
  [eye'm turned around]
• I'm illI'm feelin' poorly
  [eye'm feelin poorly]

• I'd like to buy...Gimme...
  [gim-me]
• I'm just lookingJus' browsin'
  [jus brows-in]
• How much is it?How much fer that?
  [how much fur that]
• That's too expensiveThat's highfalutin
  [that's high-falutin]
• Can you lower the price?Can ya cut me a deal?
  [can yuh cut me a deal]

• What time is it?What's the time?
  [whats the time]
• It's one o'clockIt's one
  [its one]
• Half past (10)Ten-thirty
  [ten-thur-tee]
• MorningMornin'
  [mornin']
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [after-noon]
• EveningEvenin'
  [even-in']
• YesterdayYest'day
  [yes-t-day]
• TodayToday
  [to-day]
• TomorrowTomorra
  [tom-or-ra]
• 1One
  [wun]
• 2Two
  [too]
• 3Three
  [three]
• 4Four
  [four]
• 5Five
  [five]
• 6Six
  [six]
• 7Seven
  [sev-un]
• 8Eight
  [ate]
• 9Nine
  [n-ine]
• 10Ten
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Where's the... at?
  [wheres the at]
• What's the address?What's the addy?
  [whats the addy]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya point it out (on the map)?
  [can yuh point it out]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus) comin'?
  [whens the next bus comin]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [a ticket (to)]

Texarkana, Arkansas, was founded in 1873, a year after the Texas and Pacific Railway laid tracks through the region. The city was named for its location at the convergence of Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana. The strategic positioning of the railway made Texarkana a significant hub for commerce and trade in the late 19th century.

The arrival of multiple railroad lines in the late 1800s and early 1900s played a pivotal role in Texarkana's development. The St. Louis Southwestern Railway, commonly known as the Cotton Belt Route, and the Kansas City Southern Railway, among others, turned Texarkana into a bustling transportation center. This boom attracted businesses and settlers, contributing to the city's growth.

Scott Joplin, the renowned composer and pianist, spent part of his early life in Texarkana. Born in Texas, Joplin's family moved to Texarkana, where he developed his musical talents. His time in the city influenced his pioneering work in ragtime music, which would later earn him the title 'King of Ragtime.'

On August 12, 1914, a devastating fire broke out in downtown Texarkana. The blaze destroyed several blocks of businesses and homes, leading to significant economic and social impacts. The reconstruction efforts that followed not only rebuilt the city but also introduced modern building codes and fire safety measures.

Texarkana is unique for being a city divided by the state line between Arkansas and Texas. This distinctive feature creates a twin-city atmosphere, with Texarkana, Arkansas, and Texarkana, Texas, operating as separate municipalities but sharing various services and infrastructures. The State Line Post Office and Federal Building, the only federal building to straddle a state line, symbolizes this unity.

Texarkana, like many American cities, was affected by the Great Depression. The economic downturn led to widespread unemployment and hardship. However, the city saw a resurgence during World War II with the establishment of the Red River Army Depot and Lone Star Army Ammunition Plant. These facilities provided jobs and contributed to the war effort, bolstering the local economy.

Texarkana boasts a rich cultural and architectural heritage. Historic buildings like the Perot Theatre, built in 1924, and the Draughon-Moore Ace of Clubs House, constructed in 1885, offer glimpses into the city's past. These landmarks, along with annual events such as the Four States Fair and Rodeo, celebrate the city's diverse history and vibrant community life.

Texarkana, Arkansas, is conveniently located on the border between Arkansas and Texas. The nearest major airport is Texarkana Regional Airport (TXK), which is about a 10-minute drive from the city center. For those driving, Texarkana is accessible via Interstate 30, which runs east to west, connecting to Little Rock, Arkansas, and Dallas, Texas. Greyhound buses also service the area, providing an alternative option for travelers.

Texarkana offers various transportation options for getting around. Public transportation is available through the Texarkana Urban Transit District (TUTD), which operates bus routes throughout the city. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also widely available. Renting a car can be convenient for exploring the surrounding areas and attractions at your own pace.

The official currency in Texarkana, Arkansas, is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, including hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are readily available throughout the city for cash withdrawals. It is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller businesses or markets.

Texarkana is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always important to take standard precautions. Areas such as the downtown district are typically safe during the day but can be less so at night. It is advisable to avoid poorly lit areas and to keep an eye on personal belongings in crowded places. While violent crime is low, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The city has several hospitals and medical facilities, including Wadley Regional Medical Center and Christus St. Michael Health System. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also available throughout the city for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress casually and comfortably, especially during the summer months. Avoid overly revealing clothing, especially in more conservative areas. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting places of worship, dress modestly. Public Transport: Do be courteous to drivers and fellow passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly handshake or a polite nod. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine, including Tex-Mex and Southern dishes. Don’t forget to tip your servers, as it is customary in the United States.

To experience Texarkana like a local, visit the Four States Fair & Rodeo, an annual event that showcases regional culture and entertainment. Stop by the historic Perot Theatre for a show or concert. Check out the local farmers' markets for fresh produce and handmade goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share insights about the city's history and culture. Don't miss the unique opportunity to stand with one foot in Texas and the other in Arkansas at the Texarkana Post Office and Federal Building.