Editing Marshall, Texas

{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name                     = Marshall
| settlement_type          = [[City]]
| image_skyline            = Marshall TX Montage.jpg
| image_caption            = Clockwise: Old Courthouse, Starr Home, Hotel Marshall, ETBU, Depot, Wiley, Ginnocho, First United Methodist
| image_map                = Harrison County Marshall.svg
| mapsize                  = 250px
| map_caption              = Location in the state of [[Texas]]
<!-- Location -->
| subdivision_type         = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name         = [[United States]]
| subdivision_type1        = [[U.S. state|State]]
| subdivision_name1        = [[Texas]]
| subdivision_type2        = [[List of counties in Texas|County]]
| subdivision_name2        = [[Harrison County, Texas|Harrison]]
<!-- Government -->
| government_type          = Council-Manager
| leader_title             = [[Mayor]]
| leader_name              = 
| established_title        = Founded
| established_date         = {{Start date and age|1841|p=fy}}
<!-- Area -->
| unit_pref                = Imperial
| area_footnotes           = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2019">{{cite web|title=2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_48.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=August 7, 2020}}</ref>
| area_total_km2           = 76.81
| area_land_km2            = 76.65
| area_water_km2           = 0.17
| area_total_sq_mi         = 29.66
| area_land_sq_mi          = 29.59
| area_water_sq_mi         = 0.06
<!-- Population -->
| population_as_of         = [[2020 United States Census|2020]]
| population_note          = 
| population_total         = 23392
| population_density_sq_mi = 771.47
| population_density_km2   = 297.86
| population_metro         = 65631
<!-- General information -->
| elevation_footnotes      = <ref name=gnis/>
| elevation_ft             = 341
| coordinates              = {{coord|32|32|03|N|94|22|12|W|region:US_type:city|display=inline,title}}
| timezone                 = [[North American Central Time Zone|CST]]
| utc_offset               = -6
| timezone_DST             = [[North American Central Time Zone|CDT]]
| utc_offset_DST           = -5
| postal_code_type         = [[ZIP code]]s
| postal_code              = 75670-75672
| area_code                = [[Area codes 903 and 430|903, 430]]
| blank_name               = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
| blank_info               = 48-46776<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2008-01-31|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref>
| blank1_name              = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_info              = 2411041<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|2411041}}</ref>
| website                  = {{URL|https://marshalltexas.net}}
| footnotes                = 
}}

'''Marshall''' is a city in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Texas]].<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx|access-date=2011-06-07|title=Find a County|publisher=National Association of Counties|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531210815/http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx|archive-date=2011-05-31}}</ref> It is the county seat of [[Harrison County, Texas|Harrison County]] and a cultural and educational center of the [[Ark-La-Tex]] region. At the [[2020 United States census|2020 U.S. census]], the population of Marshall was 23,392.<ref name="Census 2010">{{Cite web| url=https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/G001/1600000US4846776| title=Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Census Summary File 1 (G001): Marshall city, Texas| publisher=U.S. Census Bureau| work=American Factfinder| access-date=February 7, 2018| archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213111121/https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/G001/1600000US4846776| archive-date=February 13, 2020| url-status=dead}}</ref> The population of the Greater Marshall area, comprising all of Harrison County, was 65,631 in 2010<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/G001/320M100US4832220| title=Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Census Summary File 1 (G001): Marshall, TX Micro Area; Texas| publisher=U.S. Census Bureau| work=American Factfinder| access-date=February 7, 2018| archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213100904/https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/G001/320M100US4832220| archive-date=February 13, 2020| url-status=dead}}</ref> and 66,726 in 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/harrisoncountytexas|title=U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Harrison County, Texas|website=www.census.gov|language=en|access-date=2020-01-25}}</ref>

Marshall and Harrison County were important political and production areas of the [[Confederate States of America]] during the [[U.S. Civil War|American Civil War]]. This area of Texas was developed for [[Plantation|cotton plantations]]. Planters brought [[slavery in the United States|slaves]] with them from other regions or bought them in the domestic [[History of slavery|slave trade]]. The county had the highest number of slaves in the state, and East Texas had a higher proportion of slaves than other regions of the state. The wealth of the county and city depended on slave labor and the cotton market.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Campbell|first=Randolph|title=Slaveholding in Harrison County, 1850-1860, A Statistical Profile|url=https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1266&context=ethj}}</ref>

The late 19th century until the mid-20th century, Marshall developed as a large railroad center of the [[Texas and Pacific Railway]]. Following World War II, activists in the city's substantial [[African Americans|African-American]] population worked to create social change through the [[Civil rights movement|Civil Rights Movement]], with considerable support from the [[historically black colleges and universities]] in the area.

The city is known for holding one of the largest light festivals in the United States, the "Wonderland of Lights".<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=2018-11-19|title=Wonderland of Lights in Marshall Kicks Off the Christmas Season in Style|url=https://texashillcountry.com/wonderland-lights-marshall-christmas-season/|access-date=2020-06-18|website=Texas Hill Country|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=City of Marshall Texas Official Site|url=http://www.marshalltexas.net/public/warrants/wonderland-of-lights|access-date=2020-06-18|website=www.marshalltexas.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=East-Texas.com|title=Marshall in East Texas|url=https://www.east-texas.com/marshall-texas.htm|access-date=2020-06-18|website=www.east-texas.com}}</ref> It identifies as the [[List of city nicknames in the United States|self-proclaimed]] "Pottery Capital of the World", for its sizable [[pottery]] industry.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=Popik|first=Barry|title=Barry Popik|url=https://www.barrypopik.com/index.php/new_york_city/entry/pottery_capital_of_the_world_marshall_nickname|access-date=2020-06-18|website=www.barrypopik.com|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite book|last1=Jakle|first1=John A.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ve1EFCXICbAC&q=Pottery+capital+of+the+world+marshall&pg=PA174|title=America's Main Street Hotels: Transiency and Community in the Early Auto Age|last2=Sculle|first2=Keith A.|date=2009|publisher=Univ. of Tennessee Press|isbn=978-1-57233-655-1|language=en}}</ref> Marshall is referred to by various nicknames: the "Cultural Capital of East Texas",<ref name=MCC>{{cite web|url=http://www.marshall-chamber.com/pages/marshall.php |title=About Marshall Texas |publisher=Marshall Chamber of Commerce |access-date=2007-10-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070831235145/http://www.marshall-chamber.com/pages/marshall.php |archive-date=2007-08-31 |url-status=dead }}</ref> the "Gateway of Texas", the "Athens of Texas",<ref name="Lale 7">Lale, p. 7.</ref> the "City of Seven Flags",<ref>{{Cite web|title=On the Road: The history of Marshall, Texas|url=https://www.ksla.com/story/19066294/the-history-of-marshall-texas-is-quite-unique|access-date=2020-06-18|website=www.ksla.com|date=July 19, 2012 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web|last=Halliday|first=Doc|title=The seventh flag over Marshall|url=https://www.marshallnewsmessenger.com/opinion/the-seventh-flag-over-marshall/article_9be9fad2-cc9d-5723-bc84-6b4e0510c533.html|access-date=2020-06-18|website=Marshall News Messenger|date=July 29, 2014 |language=en}}</ref> and "Center Stage", a branding slogan adopted by the Marshall Convention and Visitors Bureau.

==History==
{{Main|History of Marshall, Texas}}

===Republic of Texas and Civil War (1841–1860)===
[[Image:Wyalucing.jpg|left|thumb|The Wyalucing plantation was the childhood home of [[Lucy Holcombe Pickens]], the only woman whose image was used on [[Confederate States dollar|Confederate currency]]. It housed the office of the Trans-Mississippi Postal Department of the Confederacy. In 1880, [[freedmen]] bought the plantation and used it for the campus of [[Bishop College]], founded for black students. The main house was used as the president's house.]]

The city was founded in 1841 as the seat of Harrison County after failed attempts to establish a county seat on the [[Sabine River (Texas–Louisiana)|Sabine River]]. It was incorporated in 1843.<ref name="Lale 7" /> The [[Republic of Texas]] decided to choose the land donated for the seat by [[Peter Whetstone]] and [[Isaac Van Zandt]] after Whetstone had proven that the hilly location had a good water source.

The city quickly became a major city in the state because of its position as a gateway to Texas; it was on the route of several major [[stagecoach]] lines. Later, one of the first railroad lines constructed into Texas ran through it.

The founding of several colleges, including a number of seminaries, teaching colleges, and incipient universities, earned Marshall the nickname "the [[Athens]] of Texas", in reference to the ancient Greek city-state. The city's growing importance was confirmed when Marshall was linked by a [[telegraph]] line to [[New Orleans]]; it was the first city in Texas to have a telegraph service.<ref name="Campbell">{{cite web |last=Campbell |first=Randolph B. |title=Marshall, Texas |work=The Handbook of Texas Online |url=https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/hem01 |access-date=2006-05-25 |date=2001-07-13}}</ref>

By 1860, Marshall was the fourth-largest city in Texas and the seat of its richest county. Developing the land for cotton [[plantations in the American South|plantations]], county planters held more [[slavery|slave]]s here than in any other county in the state. Many planters and other whites were strongly against the [[Union (American Civil War)|Union]] because of their investment in slavery.

When Governor [[Sam Houston]] refused to take an oath of allegiance to the Confederate States of America, Marshall's [[Edward Clark (governor)|Edward Clark]] was sworn in as governor.<ref>{{Cite web|last=WOOSTER|first=RALPH A.|date=2010-06-12|title=CLARK, EDWARD|url=https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/fcl04|access-date=2020-06-18|website=tshaonline.org|language=en}}</ref> [[Pendleton Murrah]], Texas's third [[Confederate States of America|Confederate]] governor, was also from Marshall.

The city became a major Confederate supply depot and manufacturer of [[gunpowder]] for the [[Confederate States Army|Confederate Army]].<ref name="Lale 12">Lale, p. 12.</ref> It hosted three conferences of [[Trans-Mississippi Theater of the American Civil War|Trans-Mississippi]] and [[Indian Territory]] leaders.

The exiled [[Confederate government of Missouri]] established Marshall as its temporary capital.<ref name="Campbell" /> The city took the nickname of the "City of Seven Flags".<ref name=":4" /> This was a nod to the [[flag of Missouri]], in addition to the [[six flags of Texas|six flags]] of the varying nations and republics that have flown over the city.

Also during the Civil War, after the fall of [[Vicksburg, Mississippi#History|Vicksburg]], Marshall became the seat of Confederate civil authority and headquarters of the Trans-Mississippi Postal Department. The city may have been the intended target of a failed Union advance that was rebuffed at [[Mansfield, Louisiana]].

Toward the end of the American Civil War, the Confederate government had $9.0 million in treasury notes and $3.0 million in [[postage stamp]]s shipped to Marshall.<ref name="Davis 413">{{cite book |last=Davis |first=William C. |year=2002 |title=Look Away!: A History of the Confederate States of America |edition=1st |publisher=Free Press |isbn=0-684-86585-8 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/lookawayhistoryo00will/page/413 413] |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/lookawayhistoryo00will }}</ref> They may have intended Marshall as the destination of a government preparing to flee from advancing armies.

===Reconstruction and the railroad era (1865–1895)===
[[Image:A former slave displaying a horn used to call slaves.jpg|thumb|upright|A former slave displays a horn in 1939 that was formerly used by planters to call slaves on the outskirts of Marshall. Many [[freedmen]] moved to Marshall from rural areas during [[Reconstruction Era|Reconstruction]], creating their own community and seeking the chance to live away from the supervision of whites. After Union troops departed at the end of Reconstruction, Democrats formed the White Citizens Party, establishing an [[insurgent]] [[militia]] dedicated to [[white supremacy]].]]

Marshall was occupied by Union forces on June 17, 1865.<ref name="Campbell 268">Campbell (2003), p. 286.</ref> During [[Reconstruction Era|Reconstruction]], the city was home to an office of the [[Freedmen's Bureau]] and was the base for federal troops in the region.<ref name="Campbell 272">Campbell (2003), p. 272.</ref> In 1873 the [[Methodist Episcopal Church]] founded [[Wiley College]] to educate freedmen. African Americans came to the city seeking opportunities and protection until 1878.

Although freedmen comprised the majority of voters in the county and supported the Republican Party, establishing a bi-racial government, in the post-Reconstruction era, the White Citizens Party, led by former Confederate General [[Walter P. Lane]] and his brother George, took control of the city and county governments by fraud and intimidation at elections.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Guzman|first=Will|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LbVCCQAAQBAJ&q=white+citizens+party+marshall&pg=PA19|title=Civil Rights in the Texas Borderlands: Dr. Lawrence A. Nixon and Black Activism|date=2015-01-30|publisher=University of Illinois Press|isbn=978-0-252-09688-4|language=en}}</ref> Their militia ran Unionists, [[Republican Party (United States)|Republicans]] and many African Americans out of town. The Lanes ultimately declared Marshall and Harrison County "redeemed" from Union and African-American control.<ref name="Berglund">{{cite book |last=Berglund |first=Ernest |year=1948 |title=History of Marshall |edition=1st}}</ref>

Despite this, the African-American community continued to progress. The historically black [[Bishop College]] was founded in 1881, and Wiley College was certified by the [[Freedman's Aid Society]] in 1882.

Marshall's "Railroad Era" began in the early 1870s. Harrison County citizens voted to offer a $300,000 bond subsidy,<ref name="Lale 12"/> and the City of Marshall offered to donate land north of the downtown to the [[Texas and Pacific Railway]] if the company would establish a center in Marshall. T&P President [[Jay Gould]] accepted the business incentive, locating the T&P's workshops and general offices for Texas in Marshall. The city immediately had a population explosion from workers attracted to the potential for new jobs there.<ref name="Campbell"/>

By 1880, the city was one of the [[Southern United States|South]]'s largest [[cotton]] markets, with crops and other products shipped by the railroad. The city's prosperity attracted new businesses: [[Joe Weisman & Company|J. Weisman and Co.]] opened here as the first [[department store]] in Texas.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Weissbach|first=Lee Shai|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pDViIlVm0s8C&pg=PA101|title=Jewish Life in Small-Town America: A History|date=2008-10-01|publisher=Yale University Press|isbn=978-0-300-12765-2|language=en}}</ref> When one light bulb was installed in the Texas and Pacific Depot, Marshall became the first city in Texas to have electricity. During this period of wealth, many of the city's now historic homes were constructed. The city's most prominent industry, pottery manufacturing, began with the establishment of [[Marshall Pottery]] in 1895.

Despite the prosperity of the railroad era, some city residents struggled with poverty. Blacks were severely discriminated against under what was known as [[Jim Crow]] laws and customs. At the turn of the 20th century, the Democratic-dominated state legislature passed segregation laws and [[Disenfranchisement after the Reconstruction Era|disenfranchised most blacks and Hispanics]], as did all the states of the former Confederacy in this period. These minorities were essentially excluded from the political system for more than 60 years. Unable to vote, they were also excluded from juries and suffered injustices from [[all-white juries]]. In addition, from 1877 to 1950, Harrison County had 14 lynchings, most in the early 20th century, and more than any other county in Texas.

In the rural areas of Harrison County, more interaction occurred between whites and African-Americans than in the city, and whites and blacks were often neighbors. However, Jim Crow rules were strongly imposed on African-Americans.

=== Early and mid-20th century ===
[[Image:Whetstone Square 1939.jpg|thumb|left|The community has developed in and around Whetstone Square, shown here in 1939. White guests stayed at the Capitol Hotel, right, and the taller Hotel Marshall directly behind it. In the 1960s, the Harrison County Courthouse, center, was the site of the first [[sit-in]]s in Texas by the civil rights movement.]]

In 1909, a field of [[natural gas]] was discovered near [[Caddo Lake]]; it was exploited  to supply city needs.<ref name="Lale 21">Lale, p. 21.</ref> Under the leadership of [[John L. Lancaster]], the Texas and Pacific Railway enjoyed its height of success during the first half of the 20th century. Marshall's ceramics industry expanded to the point that the city was called by boosters the "Pottery Capital of the World".<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />

In 1930, what was then the largest oil field in the world was discovered at nearby [[Kilgore, Texas|Kilgore]]. The first student at [[Marshall High School (Texas)|Marshall High School]] to have a car was [[Lady Bird Johnson]], a kind of progress that excited many students.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, children of both races were forced into accepting the law of [[racial segregation]] in the state. Marshall resident [[George Dawson (author)|George Dawson]] became a writer late in life when he learned to read and write at age 98. He described his childhood under segregation in his memoir ''Life Is So Good''(2013), written with Richard Glaubman. He said that in some instances, he and other Blacks resisted the demands of Jim Crow. For instance, he rejected one employer who expected him to eat with her dogs.

As blacks were being excluded from politics and tensions rose, more [[lynching]]s of black men took place, a form of extrajudicial punishment and social control. Beginning in the late 19th century, a total of 14 Black men were lynched in the county, the third-highest total in the state.<ref>[https://eji.org/sites/default/files/lynching-in-america-third-edition-summary.pdf ''Lynching in America, Third Edition: Supplement by County''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023063004/https://eji.org/sites/default/files/lynching-in-america-third-edition-summary.pdf |date=2017-10-23 }}, p. 9, Equal Justice Initiative, Mobile, AL, 2017</ref> Suspects were often brought to Marshall for the lynchings, or taken from the county jail before trial and hanged in the courthouse square for maximum public effect of terrorizing the black population. Between October 1903 and August 1917, at least 12 black men were lynched in Marshall.<ref>[https://archive.today/20120721221218/http://www.autopsis.org/foot/lynchnames.html The Lynching Calendar: Names A-L<!-- Bot generated title -->].</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://venus.soci.niu.edu/~archives/ABOLISH/july98/0024.html |title=THE PAN-AFRICAN RESEARCH AND DOCUMENTATION CENTER -Archived copy |date= July 1, 1998 |publisher= Wayne State University |access-date=2008-04-12 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070529192747/http://venus.soci.niu.edu/~archives/ABOLISH/july98/0024.html |archive-date=2007-05-29 }}</ref><ref>''[[The Birmingham News]]'', [[Birmingham, Alabama]]; 1913-02-27.</ref><ref>''[[Boston Guardian]]'', [[Boston, Massachusetts]]; 1914-04-30.</ref> Not all instances of lynching were documented, so there may have been others.

In the early and mid-20th century, Marshall's [[historically black colleges and universities|traditionally black colleges]], Wiley and Bishop, were thriving intellectual and cultural centers. The writer [[Melvin B. Tolson]], who was part of the [[Harlem Renaissance]] in New York City, taught at Wiley College.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Wiley College's Great Debaters {{!}} Humanities Texas|url=https://www.humanitiestexas.org/news/articles/wiley-colleges-great-debaters|access-date=2020-06-18|website=www.humanitiestexas.org}}</ref> Painter Samuel Countee, a Texas-born student of Bishop College in the mid-1930s, exhibited at the Harmon Exhibitions in 1935–1937 and won a scholarship to study at the [[Boston Museum of Fine Arts]]. Countee had a successful career as a teacher and artist in the New York City area, where he lived for the rest of his life.

Inspired by the teachings of professors such as Tolson, students and former students of the colleges mobilized to challenge and dismantle [[Jim Crow]] laws and institutions in the 1950s and 1960s. Fred Lewis, as the secretary of the Harrison County [[National Association for the Advancement of Colored People]] (NAACP), challenged the [[White Citizens Party]] in Harrison County, which had the oldest chapter in Texas, and the laws the party supported. This suit overturned Jim Crow in the county with the ''[[Perry v. Cyphers]]'' ruling. [[Heman Sweatt]], a Wiley graduate, tried to enroll in the [[University of Texas at Austin]] [[Law School]], but was denied entry because of his race. He sued and the [[United States Supreme Court]] ordered the desegregation of postgraduate studies in public universities in Texas in its ruling in ''[[Sweatt v. Painter]]'' (1950). [[James Farmer]], another Wiley graduate, became an organizer of the [[Freedom Rides]] and a founder of the [[Congress of Racial Equality]] (CORE), which was active throughout the South.

===Late 20th{{snd}}early 21st centuries===
[[File:Elks Building, Marshall, Texas.jpg|thumb|upright|Elks Building, Marshall, Texas (postcard, 1909)]]

The [[Civil Rights Movement]] reached into the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. In the 1960s, students organized the first [[sit-in]]s in Texas,<ref name="Campbell 428">Campbell (2003), p. 428.</ref> in the [[rotunda (architecture)|rotunda]] of the county courthouse on Whetstone Square. They protested continuing segregation of public schools. This governmental practice had been declared unconstitutional in 1954 by the US Supreme Court in ''[[Brown v. Board of Education]]''. In 1970, all Marshall [[state school|public schools]] were finally integrated.

Also in that year, Carolyn Abney became the first woman to be elected to the Marshall City Commission. In April 1975, nearly a decade after passage of the federal [[Voting Rights Act of 1965]], local businessman Sam Birmingham became the first African American to be elected to the city commission. In the 1980s, he was elected as the city's first African-American [[mayor]]. Birmingham retired in 1989 for health concerns and was succeeded by his wife, Jean Birmingham.

Marshall's railroad industry declined during the restructuring of the industry; most trains were converted to [[diesel fuel]], and many lines merged. Construction of the [[Interstate Highway System]] after [[World War II]] and expansion of trucking, plus the increase in airline traffic, also led to railway declines. The T&P shops closed in the 1960s, and T&P passenger service ceased in 1970. The Texas oil bust of the 1980s devastated the local economy. The city's population declined by about 1,000 between 1980 and 1990.

During the mid-20th century, the city lost many of its historic landmarks to redevelopment or neglect. For a time people preferred "modern" structures. Other buildings were [[Demolition|demolished]] because tax laws favored new construction.

By 1990, Marshall's opera house, the Missouri Capitol, the Moses Montefiore Synagogue, the original Viaduct, the Capitol Hotel, and the campus of Bishop College (including the Wyalucing plantation house) had been demolished.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Marshall – Moses Montefiore Congregation|url=https://txjhs.org/marshall-moses-montefiore-congregation/|access-date=2020-06-18|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Richardson|first=Robin Y.|title=New museum exhibit, booklet tells story of Marshall's Jewish history|url=https://www.marshallnewsmessenger.com/news/counties/new-museum-exhibit-booklet-tells-story-of-marshalls-jewish-history/article_82b2a498-b51e-53dc-80ea-6814b243655b.html|access-date=2020-06-18|website=Marshall News Messenger|date=April 9, 2017 |language=en}}</ref> In the 1970s, the city began to study [[historic preservation]] efforts of nearby [[Jefferson, Texas|Jefferson]]. Since then it has emphasized preservation of historic assets.

Due to newly completed construction projects, the city was one of 10 designated in 1976 as an [[All-America City Award|All-America City]] by the [[National Civic League]]. In 1978, [[Taipei]] mayor [[Lee Teng-hui]], and Marshall mayor William Q. Burns, signed legislation recognizing Marshall as a [[sister city]] to the much larger Taipei. During this period, [[Bill Moyers]] won an [[Emmy award|Emmy]] for his documentary, ''[[Marshall, Texas: Marshall, Texas]],'' chronicling the history of race relations in the city.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bill Moyers|url=https://www.emmys.com/bios/bill-moyers|access-date=2020-06-18|website=Television Academy|language=en}}</ref>

In terms of the city's economy, the 1960s through 1980s were a period of decline, largely because of the oil industry and manufacturing changes. Population declined after jobs left the area. [[Longview, Texas|Longview]] surpassed Marshall in population and economy.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the city began to concentrate on diversifying its economy. It has emphasized heritage and other tourism. The city founded two new festivals, the [[red imported fire ant|Fire Ant]] Festival, and the "Wonderland of Lights", which joined the longstanding Stagecoach Days.<ref name=":1" /> The Fire Ant Festival gained national attention through being featured on television in programs such as ''[[The Oprah Winfrey Show]].''<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-10-09|title=36th Annual Fire Ant Festival this Saturday|url=https://www.theeasttexasweekend.com/36th-annual-fireant-festival-this-saturday/|access-date=2020-06-18|website=The East Texas Weekend|language=en-US}}</ref>[[Image:Downtown Marshall, TX IMG 2336.JPG|220x220px|right|thumb|Downtown Marshall to the north of the former Harrison County Courthouse, 2009]]

The "Wonderland of Lights" became the most popular and one of the largest light festivals in the United States. By 2000, the "Wonderland of Lights" had become such a part of the cityscape that the lighted dome of the Old Courthouse was the most recognizable symbol of the city.  2011 marked the 25th anniversary of the "Wonderland of Lights" festival.

During the 2000s, the downtown area experienced moderate economic growth, which supported restoration of significant buildings. By 2005, the Joe Weisman & Company building, the T&P Depot, the former Hotel Marshall (now known as "The Marshall"), and the former Harrison County Courthouse were either restored or under restoration.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hotel Marshall Undergoes Renovation, Marshall, Texas.|url=http://www.texasescapes.com/Preservation/Hotel-Marshall-Undergoes-Renovation.htm|access-date=2020-06-18|website=texasescapes.com}}</ref>

Restaurants, boutiques, and loft apartments were developed in downtown, adding to the variety of its daily life and the number of pedestrians on the streets. Some projects adapted historic structures for reuse. Many historic homes outside of downtown continue to deteriorate. Some structures in moderate condition were approved for demolition for replacement by prefabricated or tin structures. Whetstone Square has become quite busy again, with few empty buildings around it. Lack of funding and manpower has slowed movement on demolition and salvage of historic homes.

The [[Sam B. Hall, Jr.]] Federal Courthouse has been the venue for several cases challenging state practices under provisions of the [[Voting Rights Act of 1965]]. For instance, the [[Democratic Party of the United States|Democratic Party]] challenged the [[2003 Texas redistricting|2003 redistricting]] by the state legislature, arguing that it diluted minority rights. Combined with two other cases, these issues were heard by the United States Supreme Court in ''[[League of United Latin American Citizens v. Perry]]'' (2006). It upheld the state's actions, with the exception of [[Texas's 23rd congressional district]]; redistricting was required that affected neighboring districts, as well. This had little effect on the new Republican majority of the Texas Congressional delegation after the 2004 elections.<ref name="nytimes2006">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/28/washington/28cnd-scotus.html?_r=1&oref=slogin|work=The New York Times|title=Justices Back Most G.O.P. Changes to Texas Districts|date=June 28, 2006}}</ref>

An unusually high number of [[patent]] [[lawsuits]] were being filed in the [[United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas]], which includes Marshall, [[Tyler, Texas|Tyler]], and [[Texarkana, Texas|Texarkana]]. [[TiVo]] sued [[Dish Network|EchoStar]] over [[digital video recorder]] patent rights. Marshall has a reputation for [[plaintiff]]-friendly [[jury|juries]] for the 5% of patent lawsuits that reach [[Jury trial|trial]]. This has resulted in 78% plaintiff wins. The number of patent suits filed in 2002 was 32, and the number for 2006 was estimated at 234.<ref name="NYTimes"/>

The patent suits filed here were second-highest in number, after the [[United States District Court for the Central District of California]] in Los Angeles in 2009.<ref name="NYTimes">{{cite news |last=Creswell |first=Julie |title=So Small a Town, So Many Patent Suits |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/24/business/24ward.html?ex=1159329600&en=2beff530451a51dc&ei=5070 |date=2006-09-24 |access-date=2007-10-15 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090424190026/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/24/business/24ward.html?ex=1159329600&en=2beff530451a51dc&ei=5070 |archive-date=2009-04-24 }}</ref> The trend continued through 2011 in the Eastern District of Texas, which includes Marshall, with the number of patent lawsuits more than doubling from 2010.<ref name="DallasMorningNews">{{cite news |last=Curriden |first=Mark |title=Patent lawsuits skyrocket in Texas |newspaper=[[Dallas Morning News]] |url=http://www.dallasnews.com/business/headlines/20130212-patent-lawsuits-skyrocket-in-texas.ece |date=2013-02-12 |access-date=2013-10-24}}</ref>

Marshall was profiled on ''[[This American Life]]'', as its juries' support of plaintiffs in patent suits has generated controversy.<ref name="ThisAmericanLife">{{cite web |title=441: When Patents Attack! |url=http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/441/when-patents-attack |date=2012-07-22 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120104043043/http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/441/when-patents-attack |archive-date=2012-01-04 }}</ref>

On January 18, 2010, Dr. John Tennison, a [[San Antonio]] physician and musicologist, publicized his research that found that [[boogie-woogie]] music was first developed in the Marshall area in the early 1870s. It originated among African Americans working with the T&P Railroad and the logging industry.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Boogie Woogie: Born In The Backwoods Of America|url=https://www.npr.org/2011/01/17/132963070/boogie-woogie-born-in-the-backwoods-of-america|access-date=2020-06-18|website=NPR.org|language=en}}</ref> On May 13, 2010, the Marshall City Commission unanimously passed an ordinance declaring Marshall to be "the Birthplace of Boogie Woogie".<ref>{{Cite web|title=About {{!}} Marshall, Texas: The Birthplace of Boogie Woogie|url=http://boogiewoogiemarshall.com/about/|access-date=2020-06-18|language=en-US}}</ref> On September 2, 2018, the Harrison County Historic Commission unveiled a state Texas Historic Marker that declares Marshall as the birthplace of Boogie Woogie.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Richardson|first=Robin Y.|title=Marker celebrates Marshall as birthplace of boogie-woogie music|url=https://www.news-journal.com/news/county/harrison/marker-celebrates-marshall-as-birthplace-of-boogie-woogie-music/article_fbdfbe1e-6507-5954-aea8-3a25ca01c57c.html|access-date=2020-06-18|website=Longview News-Journal|date=September 10, 2018 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Richardson|first=Robin Y.|title=Marker unveiling ceremony celebrates Marshall as birthplace of 'Boogie Woogie'|url=https://www.marshallnewsmessenger.com/news/marker-unveiling-ceremony-celebrates-marshall-as-birthplace-of-boogie-woogie/article_3f6d4e56-afa6-11e8-8fd3-17ed682ad769.html|access-date=2020-06-18|website=Marshall News Messenger|date=September 4, 2018 |language=en}}</ref>

==Geography==
[[Image:Maplecroft.jpg|thumb|Maplecroft is the centerpiece of the [[Starr Family Home State Historic Site]].|alt=]]
[[Image:Sam B. Hall U.S. Couthouse.jpg|thumb|In the 2000s, the [[Sam B. Hall Jr.]] U.S. Court House became one of the busiest federal courts because of a high number of patent suits, the second-highest total in the nation.|left]]
The city of Marshall is roughly {{convert|150|mi}} east of [[Dallas]], and {{convert|40|mi|km}} west of [[Shreveport, Louisiana]]. Marshall is closer to the capitals of Arkansas ([[Little Rock]], {{convert|217|mi}}) and [[Mississippi]] ([[Jackson, Mississippi|Jackson]], {{convert|256|mi}}) than it is to the capital of Texas ([[Austin, Texas|Austin]], {{convert|275|mi}}). The intersection of [[U.S. Route 59 in Texas|U.S. routes 59]] and [[U.S. Route 80 in Texas|80]] and the intersection of U.S. 59 and [[Interstate 20 in Texas|Interstate 20]] are located within the city limits of Marshall.

According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|76.8|km2|order=flip}}, of which {{convert|76.6|km2|order=flip}} are land and {{convert|0.2|km2|order=flip|1}}, or 0.22%, is covered by water.<ref name="Census 2010"/>

The city is bisected along a north–south axis by East End Boulevard (US 59). The eastern half of the city is bisected along an east–west axis by US 80, which east of its intersection with U.S. 59 is called Victory Drive and west of US 59 is named Grand Avenue. The [[Harrison County Airport (Texas)|Harrison County Airport]] and Airport Baseball Park are located to the south of Victory Drive off of Warren Drive.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Airport « Harrison County|url=https://harrisoncountytexas.org/airport/|access-date=2020-06-18|language=en-US}}</ref>
[[File:Marshall Hall, ETBU.jpg|thumb|[[East Texas Baptist University]]]]
To the west of [[U.S. Route 59 in Texas|U.S. Route 59]], south of Pinecrest Drive, are older [[suburbs]]; north of Pinecrest Drive, the oldest portion of the city stretches northward over seven hills. This portion of the city radiates out from downtown, which is centered on the Old Harrison County Courthouse in Peter Whetstone Square. Immediately to the north of the square is the [[Ginocchio National Historic District]], where the city's [[Marshall (Amtrak station)|Amtrak station]] is located. This region of the city is bisected along an east–west axis by Grand Avenue ([[U.S. Route 80 in Texas|U.S. Route 80]]). Spreading out from downtown is a belt of [[Antebellum architecture|antebellum]] and [[Victorian era|Victorian]] homes centered on Rusk and Houston streets.

To the west of downtown are some of the oldest African American neighborhoods in Texas, centered on Wiley College. To the north of Grand Avenue (US 80) are neighborhoods that were built largely by employees of the Texas and Pacific Railway. In addition to the Ginocchio National Historic District, this part of the city is home to [[East Texas Baptist University]], and four historic cemeteries: Marshall Cemetery, Powder Mill Cemetery, Greenwood Cemetery, and Marshall Hebrew Cemetery.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Richardson|first=Robin Y.|title=Marshall cemetery tours set Saturday|url=https://www.marshallnewsmessenger.com/news/marshall-cemetery-tours-set-saturday/article_8bfdbaf6-3297-59c9-8c1f-508dde06888d.html|access-date=2020-06-18|website=Marshall News Messenger|date=October 28, 2016 |language=en}}</ref>

===Climate===
Marshall has a [[humid subtropical climate]], characterized by hot summers and fairly mild winters. On average, Marshall receives {{convert|51.34|in|mm|abbr=on}} of precipitation per year.<ref name=NCEI/> The precipitation is relatively evenly spread throughout the year, with only July receiving less than {{convert|3.5|in|mm|abbr=on}} on average.<ref name=NCEI/>

In the spring, [[severe weather]] is not uncommon, and [[tornadoes]] have hit the city in the past, including an F2 that struck the south side of town in 2000, wiping out a [[Domino's Pizza]] on US Highway 59.

Summers in Marshall are hot and humid, with average high temperatures higher than {{convert|86|°F|0}} from June through September. Temperatures above {{convert|100|°F|0}} are not uncommon, with a highest recorded temperature of {{convert|112|°F|0}} on August 18, 1909.<ref name=nws/>

In 2008, [[Hurricane Ike]] struck Marshall hard, with winds over {{convert|60|mph|-1}}. About 82% of the population in Marshall was without power for at least 24 hours.{{citation needed|date=January 2016}}

{{Weather box
|location = Marshall, Texas (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1893–present)
|single line = Y
|collapsed = yes
|Jan record high F = 87
|Feb record high F = 90
|Mar record high F = 96
|Apr record high F = 97
|May record high F = 100
|Jun record high F = 106
|Jul record high F = 108
|Aug record high F = 112
|Sep record high F = 108
|Oct record high F = 101
|Nov record high F = 88
|Dec record high F = 85
|year record high F = 112
|Jan high F = 57.1
|Feb high F = 61.5
|Mar high F = 68.7
|Apr high F = 76.3
|May high F = 83.3
|Jun high F = 90.2
|Jul high F = 93.9
|Aug high F = 94.2
|Sep high F = 88.3
|Oct high F = 78.3
|Nov high F = 67.2
|Dec high F = 58.9
|year high F = 76.5
|Jan mean F = 45.1
|Feb mean F = 49.1
|Mar mean F = 56.2
|Apr mean F = 63.6
|May mean F = 71.7
|Jun mean F = 79.0
|Jul mean F = 82.3
|Aug mean F = 82.3
|Sep mean F = 76.0
|Oct mean F = 65.1
|Nov mean F = 54.7
|Dec mean F = 46.9
|year mean F = 64.3
|Jan low F = 33.1
|Feb low F = 36.7
|Mar low F = 43.7
|Apr low F = 50.8
|May low F = 60.1
|Jun low F = 67.8
|Jul low F = 70.8
|Aug low F = 70.3
|Sep low F = 63.8
|Oct low F = 51.8
|Nov low F = 42.1
|Dec low F = 34.9
|year low F = 52.2
|Jan record low F = -5
|Feb record low F = -13
|Mar record low F = 12
|Apr record low F = 26
|May record low F = 38
|Jun record low F = 48
|Jul record low F = 52
|Aug record low F = 53
|Sep record low F = 35
|Oct record low F = 23
|Nov record low F = 14
|Dec record low F = 3
|year record low F = -13
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation inch = 4.20
|Feb precipitation inch = 3.98
|Mar precipitation inch = 5.07
|Apr precipitation inch = 4.78
|May precipitation inch = 4.62
|Jun precipitation inch = 4.66
|Jul precipitation inch = 3.65
|Aug precipitation inch = 3.05
|Sep precipitation inch = 3.50
|Oct precipitation inch = 4.67
|Nov precipitation inch = 4.25
|Dec precipitation inch = 4.91
|year precipitation inch = 51.34
|Jan snow inch = 0.3
|Feb snow inch = 0.4
|Mar snow inch = 0.1
|Apr snow inch = 0.0
|May snow inch = 0.0
|Jun snow inch = 0.0
|Jul snow inch = 0.0
|Aug snow inch = 0.0
|Sep snow inch = 0.0
|Oct snow inch = 0.0
|Nov snow inch = 0.0
|Dec snow inch = 0.0
|year snow inch = 0.8
|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
|Jan precipitation days = 9.0
|Feb precipitation days = 9.1
|Mar precipitation days = 9.3
|Apr precipitation days = 7.4
|May precipitation days = 8.7
|Jun precipitation days = 7.8
|Jul precipitation days = 6.7
|Aug precipitation days = 5.9
|Sep precipitation days = 6.2
|Oct precipitation days = 7.0
|Nov precipitation days = 7.8
|Dec precipitation days = 9.3
|year precipitation days = 94.2
|unit snow days = 0.1 in
|Jan snow days = 0.2
|Feb snow days = 0.2
|Mar snow days = 0.2
|Apr snow days = 0.0
|May snow days = 0.0
|Jun snow days = 0.0
|Jul snow days = 0.0
|Aug snow days = 0.0
|Sep snow days = 0.0
|Oct snow days = 0.0
|Nov snow days = 0.0
|Dec snow days = 0.1
|year snow days = 0.7
|source 1 = [[NOAA]]<ref name= nws>
{{cite web
| url = https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=shv
| title = NowData - NOAA Online Weather Data
| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
| access-date = August 21, 2021}}</ref><ref name=NCEI>
{{cite web
| url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&startDate=0001-01-01&endDate=9996-12-31&stations=USC00415618&format=pdf
| title = Station: Marshall, TX
| work = U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020)
| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
| access-date = August 21, 2021}}</ref>
}}

==Demographics==

{{US Census population
|1850= 1189
|1860= 4000
|1870= 1920
|1880= 5624
|1890= 7207
|1900= 7855
|1910= 11452
|1920= 14271
|1930= 16203
|1940= 18410
|1950= 22327
|1960= 23846
|1970= 22937
|1980= 24921
|1990= 23682
|2000= 23935
|2010= 23523
|align-fn=center
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing - U.S. Census Bureau|author=Carolyn Stewart, ACSD}}</ref><br />Texas Almanac: 1850–2000<ref>
[http://www.texasalmanac.com/sites/default/files/images/CityPopHist%20web.pdf Texas Almanac: City Population History 1850–2000] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219073121/http://texasalmanac.com/sites/default/files/images/CityPopHist%20web.pdf|date=2017-02-19 }}</ref>
|2020=23392}}
As of the [[2020 United States census]], there were 23,392 people, 8,229 households, and 5,269 families residing in the city. In 2019, the [[American Community Survey]] estimated 22,831 people inhabited Marshall.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Marshall city, Texas |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/marshallcitytexas/PST045219 |access-date=2020-01-25 |website=www.census.gov |language=en}}</ref> About 26% of the city's population were under 18 and 16.4% were aged 65 or older.<ref name=":0" /> Nearly 52% of the city was female.<ref name=":0" /> At the [[census]] of 2000, 23,935 people, 8,730 households, and 6,032 families resided in the city.<ref name="GR2" /> The population density was {{convert|809.5|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The 9,923 housing units averaged 335.6 per square mile (129.6/km{{sup|2}}). Of the 8,730 households, 32.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.4% were married couples living together, 19.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.9% were not families. About 28.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.12.

In the city, the population was distributed as 26.1% under the age of 18, 13.4% from 18 to 24, 24.6% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 15.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.2 males.

The median income for a household was $43,783 and 20.2% of the city lived below the poverty line. Per the [[United States Census Bureau|U.S. Census Bureau]]'s 2018 estimates, the city had an owner-occupied housing rate of 60.9% and there were 7,882 households. An average of 2.78 people resided within Marshall's households from 2014 to 2018. In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $30,335, and for a family was $37,438. Males had a median income of $30,146 versus $21,027 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $15,491. About 17.8% of families and 22.8% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 32.5% of those under age 18 and 15.1% of those age 65 or over.

=== Race and ethnicity ===
{| class="wikitable"
|+'''Marshall racial composition as of 2020'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US4846776&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2 |access-date=2022-05-25 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref><br /> (NH = Non-Hispanic){{efn|Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos can be of any race.<ref>https://www.census.gov/ {{nonspecific|date=August 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=About the Hispanic Population and its Origin |url=https://www.census.gov/topics/population/hispanic-origin/about.html |website=www.census.gov |access-date=18 May 2022}}</ref>}}
!Race
!Number
!Percentage
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino whites|White]] (NH)
|9,032
|38.61%
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino African Americans|Black or African American]] (NH)
|8,368
|35.77%
|-
|[[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] or [[Alaska Native]] (NH)
|81
|0.35%
|-
|[[Asian Americans|Asian]] (NH)
|197
|0.84%
|-
|[[Pacific Islander Americans|Pacific Islander]] (NH)
|5
|0.02%
|-
|Some Other Race (NH)
|115
|0.49%
|-
|[[Multiracial Americans|Mixed/Multi-Racial]] (NH)
|600
|2.56%
|-
|[[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]]
|4,994
|21.35%
|-
|'''Total'''
|'''23,392'''
|
|}

The racial makeup of the city as of 2018 was 40.2% [[Non-Hispanic whites|non-Hispanic white]], 37.7% [[African Americans|Black or African American]], 0.1% [[Native Americans in the United States|American Indian or Alaska Native]], 1.6% [[Asian Americans|Asian]], and 2.0% from [[Multiracial Americans|two or more races]]. [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanics and Latinos]] of any race made up 18.8% of the population. In 2019, the racial makeup was 41.5% non-Hispanic white, 36.9% Black or African American, 0.1% American Indian or Alaska Native, 1.6% Asian, 2.1% from two or more races, and 18.2% Hispanics or Latinos of any race.<ref name=":0" /> The [[Race (United States Census)|racial makeup]] of the city in 2000 was 54.7% White, 38.6% African American, <0.1% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 4.8% from other races, and 0.9% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 8.6% of the population.

=== Religion ===
According to [[Sperling's BestPlaces]], a little over 60% of Marshall's population are religious.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|title=Religion in Marshall, Texas - Sperling's BestPlaces|url=https://www.bestplaces.net/religion/city/texas/marshall}}</ref> [[Baptists in the United States|Baptists]] and [[Methodism|Methodists]] are the largest Christian groups in Marshall (39.3% and 6.1%). Following, the [[Catholic Church|Roman Catholic Church]] is the third largest Christian body in the city (5.6%). [[Pentecostalism|Pentecostals]], [[Presbyterianism|Presbyterians]], [[Anglicanism|Anglicans/Episcopalians]], the [[Latter Day Saint movement|Latter-Day Saints]], and [[Lutheranism|Lutherans]] are the remainder. Christians of other faiths accounted for a total of 5.4% of the religious demographic. Less than 1% of Marshall's non-Christian inhabitants were [[Judaism|Jewish]], [[Islam|Muslim]], or followed an [[Eastern religions|eastern faith]].<ref name=":6" />

Of the Baptist population in Marshall, the largest denominations as of 2020 are the [[Black Church (African American)|predominantly African American]] [[National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.|National Baptist Convention USA]] and the [[National Baptist Convention of America International, Inc.|National Baptist Convention of America]], the [[Southern Baptist Convention]], and the [[Baptist General Convention of Texas]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=SBC Churches Directory|url=https://churches.sbc.net/|access-date=2020-12-23|website=churches.sbc.net|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Texas Baptists - Churches|url=https://texasbaptists.org/churches/|access-date=2020-12-23|website=texasbaptists.org|language=en}}</ref> The [[United Methodist Church]] was the largest Methodist denomination,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Search - Find A Church|url=https://www.umc.org/en/find-a-church/search|access-date=2020-12-23|website=The United Methodist Church|language=en|archive-date=April 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413050031/https://www.umc.org/en/find-a-church/search|url-status=dead}}</ref> and Pentecostals were divided between the [[Assemblies of God USA]] and [[Oneness Pentecostalism|Oneness]] ([[Nontrinitarianism|non-Trinitarian]]) [[United Pentecostal Church International]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Find a Church|url=https://ag.org/Resources/Directories/Find%20a%20Church?C=Marshall&S=TX|access-date=2020-12-23|website=ag.org|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=UPCI|title=Locate a Church {{!}} United Pentecostal Church Int.|url=https://www.upci.org/resources/locate-a-church|access-date=2020-12-23|website=UPCI}}</ref> The [[Presbyterian Church (USA)|Presbyterian Church USA]] is the largest Presbyterian denomination, and Anglicans and Episcopalians were affiliated with the [[Episcopal Church (United States)|Episcopal Church in the United States]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Find a Church|url=https://episcopalchurch.org/find-a-church/search/zipcode|access-date=2020-12-23|website=Episcopal Church|language=en}}</ref>

== Economy ==
Marshall's economy is diversified and includes services such as [[insurance claims processing]] at [[Health Care Service Corporation]], also known as [[BlueCross BlueShield]] of Texas, education at several institutes of higher learning, manufacturing such as wood kitchen cabinets at Republic Industries and pottery at several manufacturers. [[Tourism]] is also an important industry,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Visit Here|url=https://marshalltexas.com/visit-here/|access-date=2020-06-18|website=marshalltexas.com|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=East-Texas.com|title=East Texas Attractions|url=https://www.east-texas.com/east-texas-attractions.htm|access-date=2020-06-18|website=www.east-texas.com}}</ref> with about one million tourists visiting the city each year.

== Government ==

=== Local government ===
The City of Marshall has a [[Council–manager government|council–manager]] form of municipal government, with all governmental powers resting in a [[legislative body]] called the City Council.<ref>{{Cite web|title=City of Marshall Texas Official Site|url=http://www.marshalltexas.net/departments/administration|access-date=2020-06-18|website=www.marshalltexas.net}}</ref> The council passes all city laws and ordinances, adopts budgets, determines city policy, and appoints city officials, including the [[city manager]], who serves as the executive of the city government and is in charge of enforcing city laws and administering the city's various departments.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|title=City of Marshall Texas Official Site|url=http://www.marshalltexas.net/city_commission/city_commission|access-date=2020-06-18|website=www.marshalltexas.net}}</ref>

=== City council ===
[[Image:City Hall in Marshall, TX IMG 2346.JPG|200px|right|thumb|<span style="font-size:100%;">City Hall in Marshall</span>]]

The city council has seven members, each elected from a [[single-member district]]. Districts 1−4 divide the city into four districts, and the districts 5−7 divide the city into three districts that overlay Districts 1−4. So, every location in the city falls in two districts, one from each set. Each council member is elected to a two-year term.<ref name=":5" /> Districts 1−4 hold elections in odd-numbered years and districts 5−7 in even years; elections are held in the spring.

After each election, the city council selects a council member to serve as chairman, generically called a mayor, until after the next year's election. If no one files to run against a council member, as happened with District 1 in 2005, the council member is reinstated and an election for that district is not held that year.

The city council meets twice a month on the second and fourth Thursdays. Additional special sessions may be called or regular meetings cancelled. The Council provides a public forum before each regular session providing citizens the opportunity to address the commission for two minutes without forward notice; with notice, additional time may be scheduled. The council meetings are broadcast on [[radio]] and on the local [[government-access television]], [[public-access television]] [[cable TV]] station.

====Council/Commission members ====
{| class="wikitable"
! District !! 2022 Council !! 2015 Commission !! 2012 Commission !! 2010 Commission !! 2007 Commission !! 2002 Commission !! 1999 Commission
|-
| District 1
| Marvin Bonner
| Gloria Moon
| Gloria Moon
| Gloria Moon
| Katie Jones
| Katie Jones
| Jean Birmingham
|-
| District 2
| Leo Morris
| Michael Mitchell
| Zephaniah Timmins
| Zephaniah Timmins
| Zephaniah Timmins
| Alonza Williams
| Alonza Williams
|-
| District 3
| Jennifer Truelove
| Eric J. Neal (mayor)
| John Flowers
| Buddy Power
| Ed Carlile
| Chris Horsley
| Chris Horsley
|-
| District 4
| Amy Ware (Mayor)
| LaDarius Carter
| Bill Marshall
| Jack Hester
| Jack Hester
| Jack Hester
| Audrey Kariel (mayor)
|-
| District 5
| Reba Godfrey
| Vernia Calhoun
| Charlie Oliver
| Charlie Oliver
| John Wilborn
| John Wilborn
| John Wilborn
|-
| District 6
| Amanda Abraham 
| Larry Hurta
| Garrett Boersma
| Chris Paddie
| Michael McMurry
| Bryan Partee
| Michael Smith
|-
| District 7
| Micah Fenton
| Doug Lewis
| Ed Smith (mayor)
| William Buddy Power (mayor)
| Ed Smith (mayor)
| Ed Smith (mayor)
| Martha Robb
|-
|}

==== Municipal services ====
Management of the city and coordination of city services are provided by:<ref>
[http://www.marshalltexas.net/Departments/index.html City of Marshall]. Retrieved 2009-06-03.</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Office
! Officeholder
|-
|City manager
|Melissa Vossmer
|-
|Fire chief
|David Rainwater
|-
|Police chief 
|Cliff Carruth
|}

=== State government ===
Marshall is represented in the [[Texas Senate]] by Republican [[Bryan Hughes (politician)|Bryan Hughes]], District 1, and in the [[Texas House of Representatives]] by Republican [[Chris Paddie]], District 9.

The [[Texas Department of Criminal Justice]] operates the Marshall District Parole Office in Marshall.<ref>"[http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/parole/parole-directory/paroledir-rgnldisparoff1.htm Parole Division Region I] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928130938/http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/parole/parole-directory/paroledir-rgnldisparoff1.htm |date=2011-09-28 }}." [[Texas Department of Criminal Justice]]. Retrieved May 15, 2010.</ref>

=== Federal government ===
At the federal level, the two current United States senators from Texas are Republicans [[John Cornyn]] and [[Ted Cruz]]. Marshall is located in [[Texas's 1st congressional district]] currently represented by Republican [[Nathaniel Moran]].

The [[United States Postal Service]] operates the Marshall Post Office.<ref>"[http://usps.whitepages.com/service/post_office/marshall-202-e-travis-st-marshall-tx-1371962 Post Office Location - MARSHALL] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609130152/http://usps.whitepages.com/service/post_office/marshall-202-e-travis-st-marshall-tx-1371962 |date=2012-06-09 }}." [[United States Postal Service]]. Retrieved May 15, 2010.</ref>

Much of the U.S.'s patent litigation is handled in or around Marshall, Texas.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-small-town-judge-who-sees-a-quarter-of-the-nations-patent-cases/|title=The Small Town Judge Who Sees a Quarter of the Nation's Patent Cases|date=5 May 2016|website=vice.com|access-date=30 April 2018}}</ref>

==Education==
[[Marshall Independent School District]] is the sole [[school district]] covering the city limits,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st48_tx/schooldistrict_maps/c48203_harrison/DC20SD_C48203.pdf|title=2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Harrison County, TX|publisher=[[U.S. Census Bureau]]|access-date=2024-02-11}}</ref> with approximately 6,000 students at eight campuses.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Home|url=http://marshallisd.com/home|access-date=2020-06-18|website=marshallisd.com|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Directory|url=https://marshalltexas.com/directory/|access-date=2020-06-18|website=marshalltexas.com|language=en-US}}</ref>

Trinity Episcopal School serves students from preschool through eighth grade at two campuses.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Home|url=https://www.trinitymarshall.org/|access-date=2020-06-18|website=Trinity Marshall|language=en}}</ref>

Former public schools:{{fact|date=February 2024}}
*Marshall Christian Academy

===Higher education===
More than 3,500 students annually{{fact|date=February 2024}} attend colleges in the city: [[East Texas Baptist University]], [[Wiley College]], [[Texas State Technical College]]-Marshall, and [[Panola College]]-Marshall.

Panola College is the assigned community college for the majority of Harrison County, Marshall included,<!--The source doesn't explicitly say Marshall city, but since only the part of Hallsville ISD is excluded, and all of Marshall is in Marshall ISD according to the census map, then Marshall is in Panola College's boundary--> according to the Texas Education Code.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ED/htm/ED.130.htm|title=Sec. 130.194. PANOLA COLLEGE DISTRICT SERVICE AREA.}}</ref>

Wiley College is one of the oldest [[Historically black colleges and universities|historically black institutions]] in the United States. It was the setting of the film ''[[The Great Debaters]],'' which depicted Wiley College's debate team's struggle for racial equality. The team challenged the Harvard University debate team on the national circuit. In reality, [[Melvin B. Tolson]]'s 1935 debate team, which included civil rights leader [[James Farmer]], debated and defeated that year's [[Pi Kappa Delta]] Forensic Society's national champions, the University of Southern California.<ref>''Bay Bare the Heart'', James L. Farmer, Jr. and AMC documentary, ''The Real Great Debaters.''
</ref>

==Media==
The city has one newspaper, ''[[The Marshall News Messenger]]'', a subsidiary of the nearby Longview newspaper. Marshall is home to three radio stations.

=== Television ===

Marshall has an [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] news office. The city is within the reception area of broadcasters based in [[Shreveport, Louisiana]]: [[KTBS]] (ABC), [[KSLA]] ([[CBS]]), [[KMSS-TV|KMSS]] ([[Fox network|FOX]]), [[KTAL-TV|KTAL]] ([[NBC]]), [[KPXJ]] ([[The CW]]), [[KSHV-TV]] ([[My Network TV]]), and [[KLTS]] ([[Louisiana Public Broadcasting]]). Nearby Longview is within the reception of both the Shreveport and [[Tyler, Texas]] media markets.

The local [[Cable television|cable company]], Fidelity Communications (formerly [[Cobridge Communications]]), provides [[public-access television]] channels that show local [[American football|football]] games produced by KMHT radio, and meetings of the city and county commissions (both live and replayed), as well as streaming audio from KMHT. Marshall is also the home of the weekly podcast "Beyond the Pine Curtain".{{citation needed|date=May 2019}}

=== Radio ===

Marshall are shared the radio market with [[Longview, Texas|Longview]]

{{Longview-Marshall Radio}}

== Transportation ==
===Major highways and interstates in Marshall===

*[[U.S. Highway 80]]
*[[U.S. Highway 59 (Texas)|U.S. Highway 59]]
* State Highway Loop 390
*[[Interstate 20]]

Marshall is served by two taxicab companies. The [[Harrison County Airport (Texas)|Harrison County Airport]] is located in Marshall.
Ongoing expansion of Interstate 69 from [[Indianapolis, Indiana]], to [[Victoria, Texas]], will create [[Interstate 369 (Texas)|Interstate 369]] branching off from [[Tenaha, Texas]] and go north to [[Texarkana, Texas]], using U.S. Highway 59 via Marshall.

===Passenger rail===

* Amtrak's daily ''[[Texas Eagle]]'' train leaves at 7:30&nbsp;pm for St. Louis and Chicago. The ''Texas Eagle'' leaves for Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio at 7:50&nbsp;am, and continues to Los Angeles three days a week.

== Sites of interest ==
{{Main|List of sites of interest in Marshall, Texas}}
* Memorial City Hall, East Houston Street
* [[The Ginocchio]]/[[Harrison County Historical Museum]], North Washington Street at Ginocchio Street
* [[Texas and Pacific Railroad Depot (Marshall, Texas)|Texas and Pacific Railway Depot]], North Washington Street at Ginocchio Street
* [[Hotel Marshall]] (tallest building in Marshall), 210 West Houston Street
* [[Starr Family Home State Historic Site]], 407 West Travis Street
* [[Michelson Museum of Art]], 216 North Bolivar Street
* [[Old Harrison County Courthouse (Texas)|Old Harrison County Courthouse]], Whetstone Square<ref>{{Cite web|last=Cava|first=Marco della|date=July 3, 2020|title=The fight over monuments asks, who is an American hero and who is a 'symbol of hate'?|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/07/03/fight-remove-confederate-statues-symbols-of-hate/3282308001/|access-date=2020-07-04|website=USA TODAY|language=en-US}}</ref>
* [[Joe Weisman & Company]] (the first department store in Texas), 211 North Washington Street

==Notable landmarks==
<gallery widths="180px" class="center">
Image:Hagerty House Marshall Wiki (1 of 1).jpg|Hagerty House
Image:Ginocchio Historic District Marshall Wiki (1 of 1).jpg|Ginocchio Historic District
Image:Downtown Marshall Wiki (1 of 1).jpg|Downtown Marshall Texas
Image:Downtown Marshall 7 Wiki (1 of 1).jpg|Sam Wood House
Image:Downtown Marshall 6 Wiki (1 of 1).jpg|Downtown Marshall Texas
Image:Downtown Marshall 5 Wiki (1 of 1).jpg|Downtown Marshall Texas
Image:Downtown Marshall 2 Wiki (1 of 1).jpg|Downtown Marshall Texas
Image:Downtown Marshall 4 Wiki (1 of 1).jpg|Masonic Lodge
Image:Downtown Marshall 3 Wiki (1 of 1).jpg|Downtown Marshall Texas
</gallery>

==Notable people==
{{main|List of people from Marshall, Texas}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Cities|Texas}}
* [[List of museums in East Texas]]
* [[Patent troll]]
* [[Patent Litigation]]

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==

{{Commons|Marshall, Texas}}
* [http://www.marshalltexas.net/ City of Marshall official website]
* [http://www.marshalltexas.com Chamber of Commerce – marshalltexas.com]
* [http://www.marshallnewsmessenger.com/ ''Marshall News Messenger'']
* [http://www.marshallisd.com/ Marshall Independent School District]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060822201915/http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlo/78R/billtext/HR00528F.HTM Texas H.R. No. 528 declaring ''Marshall Day'' at the State Capitol]
* [http://texashistory.unt.edu/search/?q=%22United+States+-+Texas+-+Harrison+County%22&t=dc.coverage  Historic photos of Marshall], hosted by the Portal to Texas History

{{Harrison County, Texas}}
{{Texas county seats}}
{{Texas}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Marshall, Texas| ]]
[[Category:Cities in Texas]]
[[Category:County seats in Texas]]
[[Category:Cities in Harrison County, Texas]]
[[Category:History of African-American civil rights]]
[[Category:History of civil rights in the United States]]
[[Category:Micropolitan areas of Texas]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1841]]
[[Category:1841 establishments in the Republic of Texas]]