Government Split

No, I'm not discussing politics or the great political divide here. The government split is a unique, divided federal courthouse located in Texarkana, Arkansas. This landmark, listed in the National Registry of Historic Places, was built in 1933, 90-years-ago. It is located on State Line Avenue, and that's a hint to its uniqueness. The U.S. Post Office and Federal Courthouse building is split with half in the state of Arkansas and half in Texas. Located between Fifth and Sixth Streets, the building sits smack-dab in the middle of State Line Avenue, straddling the two states. No other federal building in the United States has this unique placement.

Papa and I did two things in Texarkana. First we put something in the mail. That was an experience because we had to pass the courthouse entrance to get to the post office. Nothing like getting approval from armed guards to mail a letter. I wonder who will receive our mailing, and will it be post marked from Texas or Arkansas?

Second, we had lunch at the most delightful coffee shop near the courthouse. Rabbit Hole Coffee has a small room lined with bookshelves. It looked like a book club was meeting in there. They have coffee/tea, bakery items, simple made-to-order meal options and ice cream. Large comfortable couches. Lots of games. Papa and I played checkers while we waited to order our food. If we had a coffee shop like this near us, I would be there so often!

On our drive earlier in the day, we passed through Palestine, as in Texas, not the State in Asia. There is a free railroad museum there called the Railroad Heritage Center. The gentleman there was so kind, showing us around the museum. He told us about the man who owned most of the trains and the ornate landscaping around the tracks. His wish was to preserve the trains when he passed, and that has been done. Other trains, like metal and wood pieces, have been donated by others. If you like trains, this is a wonderful place to visit! 

Source: https://youtu.be/9B8_B6ddBUc?feature=shared

Magnolia World

Today we enter the Magnolia World and officially become tourists. For one day, we are submersed in Waco, Texas and the Magnolia environment. Although it is after Labor Day and children are back in school, it was surprising how many people descended on Waco. 

Our tourist day starts with lunch at the original Magnolia Table location. Yes, there's a second now in the Silos area. Papa and I split their avocado toast. The avocado topping was excellent. Very well prepared. The restaurant itself is classy, even the restroom.

After a leisurely lunch, we checked out the Waco Suspension Bridge. This bridge, completed in 1870, was the first built over the Brazos River in Waco. At 475 feet, it was the longest suspension bridge west of the Mississippi River. Its purpose was to provide safe passage for cattle along the Chisholm Trail. After the Civiil War, millions of cattle were driven from Texas to Kansas where they were sold. It is estimated that up to 20% of the cattle did not make it across the river. Even with a nickle-per-head toll charge to cross the new bridge, ranchers embraced it. Today, there are large statues (27 cattle and 3 cowboys on horses) in the park at the bridge to commemorate the historic cattle drives. 

In the afternoon, Papa and I joined a small tour group. We covered over 30 miles of Waco, learning about the F5 tornado of 1953, several neighborhoods, parks and how the city has worked together to rebuild after natural disasters and economic downturns. Of course we drove by a few fixer-upper homes, too. After the two-hour tour, Papa and I strolled through the silos area on our way back to our motel for the night. 

Today, we finished the first-half of the first leg of Road Trip #4. So far, we still have energy and drive to continue. It's been a remarkable trip so far.

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