Texarkana residents gathered on the Texas Boulevard sidewalk outside City Hall on Monday as Mayor Bob Bruggeman unveiled a new historic marker, officially recognizing the building as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark (RTHL). The ceremony highlighted the structure’s century‑long role as the center of municipal government.
According to the Texarkana Gazette, the four‑story neoclassical‑revival building was constructed between 1924 and 1925 and was designed by the architectural firms C. H. Page & Brother of Austin and Witt, Seibert & Halsey of Texarkana. The first City Council meeting took place inside the new hall on Sept. 1, 1925, and the building’s formal dedication on Nov. 12, 1925 featured a parade, banquet and a performance by the fire department’s drum and bugle corps.
KTBS reported that the RTHL designation “recognizes both the building’s architectural significance and its long history of serving the community.” Texas Historic Preservation Officer Matt Solomon noted that while Texas has roughly 16,000 historical markers, fewer than a quarter honor Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks, underscoring the prestige of the award.
The Texas Historical Commission describes RTHL status as “the highest honor the state can bestow on historic structures.” To qualify, a structure must be at least 50 years old, retain its architectural integrity, be in good repair, and serve as an exemplary model of preservation. Once designated, RTHL properties receive a measure of legal protection and become part of the recorded history of the state’s built environment.
Mayor Bruggeman emphasized the broader significance of the marker, saying the building “honors the people, events, and civic traditions that have shaped Texarkana and ensures their stories are shared with future generations.” The unveiling is part of a larger city effort to recognize and preserve historic landmarks throughout Texarkana, ensuring that the downtown skyline continues to reflect the community’s heritage.
Sources: texarkanagazette.com, ktbs.com, texarkanagazette.com
