The Devoted Confederate Mama and Her War-hardened Boy: Texarkana's Centennial

Popping up in Texarkana, you'll bump into the Confederate Mothers Monument, nicknamed the Confederate Memorial, or local-speak, Texarkana Confederate Memorial. This 100-year-old landmark, erected by Allen Monuments, under the gaze of Henry Allen, was brought to life by the United Daughters of the Confederacy. The Memorial resides boldly at the apex of a triangle cradled by State Line Avenue, sandwiched between the courthouse and post office over yonder.

Its one-of-a-kind two-state location makes it unique in Texarkana, Texas. The monument features a pair of figures: a Southern mama and her battle-scarred son. Rumors circulate about it being the only one in Texas, but only tomorrow will tell whether there are other hidden gems out there. The marble statue of the Confederate mama bears an inscription quoting, 'O Great Confederate Mothers, we would print your names on monuments, that men may read them as the years go by and tribute pay to you, who bore and nurtured hero sons and gave them solace on that darkest hour, when they came home with broken swords and guns'.

The Confederate soldier stands staring north, proclaiming 'To our loyal Confederates'. This distinct design marks it as a tribute to mothers' essential role during the Confederate war. After the chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy that built this monument disbanded, it's now Texarkana's responsibility to look after this significant landmark.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons