National Register Listing

Earl-Rochelle House

a.k.a. Will Earl House

1920 Magnolia St., Texarkana, TX

The Earl-Rochelle House is an excellent local example of Queen Anne architecture, displaying classic characteristics of the style including multiple bay windows, decorative gables, comer towers and variant wall surfaces.

The last of three nearly identical homes built diring the 1890s in Texarkana, the Earl-Rochelle House was constructed in 1899 for the family of local realtor and merchant John W. Earl. After Earl's death, James F. Rochelle, a farmer and former Bowie County sheriff and tax assessor, and his wife Ella Jo (McMickle) owned the home from 1929 to 1966. The Earl-Rochelle House is an excellent local example of Queen Anne architecture, displaying classic characteristics of the style including multiple bay windows, decorative gables, comer towers and variant wall surfaces. Construction of the home was based on the design of Tennessee architect George Barber, whose drawings were published in architectural pattern books and widely distributed during the late 19th century. A prominent local landmark, the Earl-Rochelle House meets Criterion C in the area of Architecture at the local level of significance.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1999.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

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Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
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Texas random facts
Bowie County, Texas has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 19th century. The county was named after James Bowie, a prominent figure in the Texas Revolution. Bowie County was established in 1840, when it was separated from the larger Red River County. Originally, this area was inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Cherokee people.

During the 19th century, Bowie County played a significant role in the fight for Texas independence. The county was a major thoroughfare for pioneers heading westward on the El Camino Real, a trade route connecting Mexico and the United States. In the 1830s and 1840s, conflicts with Native American tribes occurred as settlers moved into the region. The Battle of Brinkley's Station in 1838, for example, was a significant clash between settlers and the Cherokee Nation.

The discovery of oil in the early 20th century brought prosperity and development to Bowie County. oil fields were discovered in 1928, leading to a boom in population and economic growth. The town of DeKalb, located in Bowie County, became known as the "Oil Capital of Northeast Texas." The oil industry brought numerous jobs and investment to the county, and continues to be an important part of its economy to this day.

Today, Bowie County is home to a diverse population and offers a mix of rural and urban attractions. The county seat, Texarkana, is a unique city that straddles the Texas-Arkansas border and is known as the "Twin Cities." It serves as a regional hub for commerce, education, and healthcare. Bowie County also boasts natural attractions such as the Wright Patman Lake and the Sulphur River Wildlife Management Area, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Bowie County, Texas.

  • 1840s - The area that is now Bowie County was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Cherokee.
  • 1835 - Texas gains independence from Mexico.
  • 1840 - Bowie County is created and named after James Bowie, a Texas Revolution hero.
  • 1876 - The city of Texarkana is established as a railroad junction between Texas and Arkansas.
  • 1900s - The oil industry becomes a major economic factor in the county.
  • 1942 - Red River Army Depot is established as a major military facility.
  • 1958 - Wright Patman Lake (Lake Texarkana) is created as a reservoir on the Sulphur River.
  • 1974 - The Bowie County Courthouse, built in 1891, is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 1986 - The Texarkana Independent School District is formed, consolidating several smaller school districts.