Historical marker in Texarkana highlights area’s oldest settlement

TEXARKANA, Texas (KTAL/KMSS) – A historical marker commemorating Wavell’s Colony, which brought the first European settlers to the region was rededicated on Friday.

“Wavell’s Colony was the first organized and recorded settlement of what would become Red River County, Bowie County, and Miller County.” says Matt Solomon, historic preservation officer for the city of Texarkana, Texas.

The marker is a replacement for one that originally was installed at the old Howard Johnson Hotel in 1969.

“Unfortunately when the hotel was demolished in 2015, the original marker went missing and was reported stolen.” says Solomon.

The new marker seeks to highlight the region’s history for visitors, with a prominent spot beside the post office and courthouse on the state line.

“We have several other historical markers located in this location here and so it just will complement what we currently have.” says Texarkana, Texas Mayor Bob Bruggeman.
(Hunter Trombetta)
They also believe it is important for local members of the community to be able to see where they came from, and where they maybe ought to be headed.

“You get to read about what our early settlers and early founders envisioned for our community they had really, really high hopes for what we would become and now as we carry that weight and we should look at it and go, OK, how can we achieve their vision?” says Solomon.