Part of Marshall’s claim to fame as a major educational outpost comes from its status as the home of Wiley College, the oldest historically black college west of the Mississippi River. Founded in 1873, the college currently enrolls around 1,200 students. Take a tour of campus and learn about Wiley’s important place in history, including the story of its debate team (chronicled in the Denzel Washington film “The Great Debaters”), as well as the role that its students played in Texas’ civil rights movement. East Texas Baptist University, Marshall’s other institute of higher learning, is worth a visit while in town. While known primarily for its nursing program, the university offers degrees in seven different schools of study and recently celebrated its centennial in 2012.
If art is your interest, visit the Michelson Museum of Art and browse through their collections and exhibits. The museum was originally designed to house the works of Russian-American artist Leo Michelson, but now includes works from other 20th century American artists, as well as art and artifacts from Africa and China. The gallery hosts a number of rotating exhibits over the course of the year, the most recent of which was a series of oil paintings depicting a number of America’s natural parks. After checking out the Michelson gallery, visit Marshall Pottery to get your hands on some art of your own. This artisan pottery store sells a wide range of handmade pottery and other home décor. Stop in to browse and watch the artisans at work, as the store’s pottery is made on site. Marshall was an important railroad transportation center, and this history is on full display at the Texas & Pacific Railway Museum. Housed in a recently renovated Texas & Pacific line railway depot, the museum highlights the importance of railroads to the development of east Texas towns like Marshall, and features a number of artifacts dating back to the 1870s, when a high volume of people and goods passed through Marshall on their way to the coasts.
Before heading out of town, don’t forget to include a stop to the Starr Family Home State Historic Site. Built in 1870, this house serves as a look into what life was like for Marshall’s residents in the late 1800’s. Take a relaxing stroll around the park-like grounds and get a tour of the inside of this Greek revival mansion, full of antiques and other interesting historical artifacts.
With much to do and see in Marshall, it’s important to make sure you have the best accommodations available. If you are looking for Marshall hotels, look no further than Choice Hotels for a great place to stay in this east Texas town.