The Texarkana Arts & Historic District Commission voted this week to amend the main caption on the downtown Scott Joplin mural. The original wording, “Father of Ragtime,” was replaced with “King of Ragtime,” a phrase that appears on early sheet‑music covers for Joplin’s iconic “Maple Leaf Rag.”
Why the change matters
Commission members said the new caption better reflects historical documentation and improves online discoverability. “When researchers and music lovers search for Joplin, the term ‘King of Ragtime’ shows up on original publications,” explained commission chairperson Maria Hernandez. “Updating the mural aligns our public art with that record and helps visitors find accurate information quickly.”
Local artist leads the update
Local muralist Art Pletcher, who originally painted the piece, carried out the physical alteration. Pletcher removed the old lettering and painted the new caption in the same style, ensuring the mural’s visual integrity remained intact. “I’m honored to keep the mural both beautiful and historically truthful,” he said.
Joplin’s Texarkana roots
Scott Joplin spent formative years in Texarkana, receiving early musical instruction that laid the groundwork for his later fame as a pioneering American composer. The city has long celebrated his legacy, and the mural serves as a visible reminder of his contribution to American music.
Community response
Residents and local historians have welcomed the change. The Scott Joplin Support Group, which advocated for the revision, noted that the phrase “King of Ragtime” appears on the cover of the original 1899 sheet music for “Maple Leaf Rag,” making it a more authentic descriptor. “It’s a small but meaningful correction that honors our heritage,” said group coordinator James Whitaker.
The updated mural will remain a focal point of downtown Texarkana’s historic district, continuing to attract tourists, music enthusiasts, and students eager to learn about the city’s cultural legacy.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
