Texarkana in Bowie County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Aviation in the Park
City of Texarkana, Texas
| | Walk Through History | |
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 1, 2025
1. Aviation in the Park Marker
On July 4, 1912, the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce hired a self-proclaimed fine flyer to fly a plane over the park. The pilot's plane (which was actually a plank of wood surrounded by bamboo contraptions that the pilot had to manipulate) was involved in several accidents before the scheduled takeoff. The frightened pilot nearly refused to fly, but with pressure from organizers, the pilot finally managed to get his contraption off the ground and made several grasshopper jumps high across the ground.
Through the years, various aviation activities have continued in Spring Lake Park, including remote-controlled airplane competitions and helicopter exhibitions during the annual Scout-A-Rama. The Lockheed T-33A trainer jet pays tribute to the history of aviation at Spring Lake Park. Manufactured in 1951 and in active service with the United States Air Force until its retirement in 1961, the jet found its new home here at the park.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical date for this entry is July 4, 1912.
Location. 33° 27.625′ N, 94° 3.294′ W. Marker is in Texarkana, Texas, in Bowie County. It can be reached from North Park Road Ό mile north of West 40th Street. The marker is on Spring Lake Park Trail
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and in the Piney Woods. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Phantom Killer (within shouting distance of this marker); The Texarkana Streetcar System (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Legend of Hernando de Soto (about 400 feet away); William Wooten & Anthony Ghio (about 500 feet away); Spring Lake Park Fairgrounds (about 500 feet away); Spring Lake Park (about 500 feet away); Wooten Springs Cemetery (about 800 feet away); Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery (approx. 2.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Texarkana.
Regarding Aviation in the Park. The Lockheed T-33A trainer jet was not in the park when this marker was photographed.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Spring Lake Park Walk Through History
2. Marker detail: Helicopter flight at the fairgrounds during the 1960s
3. Marker detail: Lockheed T-33A Trainer Jet
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 1, 2025
4. Aviation in the Park Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 5, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 3, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 56 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 4, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 3. submitted on January 5, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 4. submitted on January 4, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
