Texas Cities

Region: Piney Woods

Settled in 1839, it became the seat of Harrison County in 1842. When Texas seceded from the Union in 1861, the city was one of biggest and wealthiest in the state. It produced saddles, harnesses, clothing, powder and ammunition for the Confederacy. When Vicksburg fell, Marshall became the seat of civil authority west of the Mississippi River, wartime capital of Missouri and headquarters of Trans-Mississippi Postal Department. Visit the Confederate Monument on the courthouse lawn. Several historic homes are bed-and-breakfasts. Marshall is home to East Texas Baptist University, Texas State Technical College and Wiley College.

Annual festivals include Stagecoach Days in May and the Fire Ant Festival in October. Wonderland of Lights, held Thanksgiving–New Year's Day, is one of the largest holiday light shows in the nation. 903/935-7868.

The red and white clay in the area is perfect for stoneware. There are eight wholesale pottery manufacturers and two retail outlets in the city.