Harrison County: Discover Nature and History

At Caddo Lake, bald cypress trees and aquatic plants shape a landscape of channels, bayous, and ponds. In Marshall, a historic depot, museums, and a history trail offer other insights into the region. Harrison County appeals to travelers interested in nature and history. The topics have different focuses: one centers on an intricate wetland landscape, the other on architecture, exhibits, and historic sites. As you plan, consider which of these topics you would like to focus on most.

Wetlands at Caddo Lake

At Caddo Lake State Park, dense stands of bald cypress trees and aquatic plants form a labyrinth of channels, bayous, and ponds. The park offers canoe rentals for paddling on Saw Mill Pond and Big Cypress Bayou. Since availability may depend on park operations, it’s best to check when planning your trip.

Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge is northeast of Marshall in Harrison County. The refuge and the Caddo Lake Institute restored the arsenal’s old guard station to provide information and photographs of wildlife species. The station also explains why parts of Caddo Lake and the refuge are among the 26 sites in the United States recognized as wetlands of international importance. This designation is based on an international treaty signed by more than 150 nations.

Architecture and History

At the Starr Family Home State Historic Site, visitors can tour the 1871 Greek Revival-style home and learn about the Starr family. The grounds include several buildings that illustrate 150 years of this family’s history in Texas. A single home with a clearly identified architectural style and a broader family history offer two different perspectives on the Starrs’ legacy.

The Harrison County Historical Museum has two locations in downtown Marshall. Exhibits in the 1901 Courthouse show the general history of Harrison County. The Service & Sacrifice exhibit offers a different, explicitly defined perspective: it documents and honors people from Harrison County who served in the military.

Those interested in African American history can follow the Buard Historic Trail, a 90-minute driving route highlighting 28 sites in Marshall’s New Town Neighborhood. Trail guides are available at the Marshall Convention and Visitors Bureau in downtown Marshall. Unlike the exhibits at the museum locations, this route focuses on a series of historic sites. These different formats can help you choose a history focus that suits your interests.

Railroad, Art, and Local Offerings

The Texas & Pacific Depot remains an important symbol of Marshall’s relationship with the railroad. The railroad was once the city’s leading employer and mode of transportation. The restored 1912 Texas and Pacific Railway Depot houses the Texas And Pacific Railway Museum. Its exhibits include a recreation of a former railroad agent’s office with a working telegraph key, as well as working model trains that pass replicas of historic Marshall buildings. The depot’s history and the miniature models offer two different ways to explore the subject: the former workplace and a model depiction of the city.

The Michelson Museum of Art’s collection includes more than 1,000 artworks created by Michelson. It adds a fine arts perspective to the historical themes without replacing the other history focuses tied to specific sites and exhibits.

Recurring attractions include Wonderland of Lights, which decorates the historic 1901 Courthouse with millions of twinkling lights. The festival includes carriage rides, an ice-skating rink, Santa’s Village, and train rides; individual offerings may vary from year to year. Market on the Square in downtown Marshall offers homemade goods and handmade products. The market’s schedule and vendors may change. Check the details before visiting if you have a particular offering or date in mind.

Discover more destinations: Marshall, Culberson, Orange, Webb, Lee County, Motley County, Hill County, Maverick County.

For the broader travel overview: Texas.