TEXARKANA, Texas — The City of Texarkana, Texas said it will host a dedication ceremony Friday, May 15. The dedication will be for a new historical marker recognizing the Freeman-Custis Red River Expedition of 1806.
City officials described the expedition as an important but often overlooked part of regional and national history.
According to the City of Texarkana, Texas, the ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. at Sheppard Park. The Park is located across from the U.S. Post Office and Courthouse. City officials said the marker will join several other historical markers in the area that help tell the story of Texarkana and the surrounding region.
The City of Texarkana, Texas said officials believe the marker may be the only one in the country dedicated specifically to the Freeman-Custis Expedition. It makes the event significant for both the local community and historians interested in early American borderlands history.
According to the city, the Freeman-Custis Expedition was commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson following the Louisiana Purchase. Officials said the expedition was tasked with exploring the Red River, mapping the region, documenting natural features and building relationships with local populations.
Expedition traveled through our area
The City of Texarkana, Texas said the expedition traveled through areas now known as Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma before Spanish forces stopped the group near present-day Bowie County. City officials said the expedition reflects the international importance of the region during a pivotal time in American history.
The City of Texarkana, Texas said representatives from the Texas Society of the United States Daughters of 1812 will attend the ceremony. Officials said the organization’s generosity helped make the historical marker possible.
City officials also announced author Dr. Dan Flores will participate in the event. According to the city, Flores authored the book Southern Counterpart to Lewis and Clark: The Freeman and Custis Expedition of 1806, which officials said has helped bring renewed attention to the expedition’s historical significance.
“This marker helps tell a story that deserves far more attention,” Historic Preservation Officer Matt Solomon said in a statement released by the City of Texarkana, Texas. “The Freeman-Custis Expedition is an important part of our region’s history, and this dedication is an opportunity to share that story with our community and with the many visitors from around the world who come to take their picture in front of the second most photographed federal courthouse in the country.”
The City of Texarkana, Texas said the Texarkana Regional Museums System will host a welcoming reception for Flores on Thursday, May 14, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn. Officials said the public is invited to attend and meet Flores along with other local history enthusiasts.
According to the city, Flores will also appear at The Stained Page bookstore on May 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. . There will be a book signing before Flores delivers the keynote address at the dedication ceremony.
The City of Texarkana, Texas said attendees will also have an opportunity to purchase lunch following the ceremony from local food truck Geno’s BBQ.
For more information, the City of Texarkana, Texas said residents may contact Historic Preservation Officer Matt Solomon at (903) 798-3949 or matt.solomon@texarkanatexas.gov.