Marshall, TX Road Trips

Marshall attracted people early on because of its position along a stage line and later the Texas and Pacific Railroad, plus reserves of oil that were eventually tapped. It was a city of grandeur and firsts at times, being the "Athens of Texas" with multiple colleges, the seat of the richest county by 1860, and the first Texan city to have telegraph service. But it was also bad news in a way, because, perhaps in alignment with its strong Confederate allegiance, it held the designation of being the Texas town with the most lynchings after the Civil War, and just a miserable place in general insofar as disenfranchisement goes. Nowadays, Marshall has captured a sense of acclaim with its Winter Wonderland and attestation of being the Birthplace of Boogie Woogie.

1 Starr Family Home State Historic Site, 407 W Travis St, ☏ +1 903 935-3044. Tu-Sa 10AM-4PM. One of those period homes, from the 19th century. (updated Dec 2021) 2 Old Harrison County Courthouse, Peter Whetstone Square, 200 W Houston St, ☏ +1 903 935-8417. Tu-Sa 10AM-4PM. An often photographed courthouse that gets decked out with lights during the Winter Wonderland festival. Also some exhibits on Marshall's history and pro-Confederate alignment back in the day at the Harrison County Museum on the premises. (updated Dec 2021) 3 Texas and Pacific Railway Depot, 800 N Washington Ave, ☏ +1 903 938-9495. W-Sa 10AM-3PM. Pertains to railroad history, particularly the Texas and Pacific Railway, in Marshall. Free. (updated Dec 2021) 4 Michelson Museum of Art, 216 N Bolivar St, ☏ +1 903 935-9480. Tu-F 10AM-4PM, Sa 1PM-4PM. Shows works of art by an artist who didn't want them sent to a major museum. (updated Dec 2021) 5 First United Methodist Church, 300 E Houston St, ☏ +1 903 938-6622. It was constructed by former African American slaves. (updated Dec 2021)

Wonderland of Lights. A popular festival of lights that runs from the end of November through most of December.

1 The Ginocchio, 707 N Washington, ☏ +1 903 927-1400. Tu-Sa 5PM-10PM. Set in a formerly established 19th century hotel that drew train customers that included US presidents and celebrities, it now operates as a fine dining restaurant. (updated Dec 2021) 2 Cajun Tex Marshall, 104 W Grand Ave, ☏ +1 903 935-7719. M-Th 11AM-8PM, F-Sa 11AM-9PM. Cajun and Texan fusion eatery. $$. (updated Dec 2021)

1 Fairfield Inn & Suites Marshall, 105 West Interstate 20, ☏ +1 903-938-7666. Nonsmoking. 2 Texas Inn Motel Marshall, 1100 E End Blvd S, ☏ +1 903-938-4333.

Amtrak has daily services with Texas Eagle between Chicago, San Antonio and onward to Los Angeles. 1 Marshall Amtrak is on 800 North Washington Street.