Ace of Clubs House | Texarkana

The Ace of Clubs House is a historic Victorian-era residence located in Texarkana, Arkansas, USA.

It is characterized by its distinctive five-sided, or pentagonal, shape.

Visual Characteristics

The structure is a two-story, pentagonal house constructed primarily of wood. Its exterior features white clapboard siding and a prominent wrap-around porch supported by turned posts. The roofline is complex, incorporating gables and dormer windows. Decorative elements include gingerbread trim and a central turret topped with a conical roof. The house has a total of five sides, with each corner featuring a bay window.

Location & Access Logistics

The Ace of Clubs House is situated at 100 South State Line Avenue in Texarkana, Arkansas. It is approximately 1 mile south of the downtown Texarkana area. Parking is available on the street directly in front of the house. Public transport options are limited; the nearest bus stops are several blocks away on State Line Avenue.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The house was built in 1885 by Colonel Isaac Charles, a prominent local businessman. The unique pentagonal design is attributed to a local legend involving a poker game where Isaac Charles won the property and decided to build a house in the shape of the ace of clubs card. The house was designed by architect William H. Sullivan.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can tour the interior of the house, which has been restored to reflect its late 19th-century appearance. Guided tours explain the history of the house and the family who lived there. Photography of the exterior is permitted. The grounds offer limited space for observation.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available for visitors during tour hours. Limited shade is provided by the porch and surrounding trees. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available in the area. No food vendors are located on-site; dining options are available in the nearby downtown district.

Best Time to Visit

The house is open for tours Tuesday through Saturday, with tours typically starting at 10:00 AM and concluding at 4:00 PM. The best time of day for exterior photography is late morning or mid-afternoon to avoid harsh shadows. Weather is generally mild in spring (April-May) and fall (September-October), offering comfortable conditions for visiting.

Facts & Legends

The most persistent legend surrounding the Ace of Clubs House is its origin story tied to a poker game. Colonel Isaac Charles supposedly won the land and the initial architectural plans in a game of cards, leading him to build the house in the shape of the ace of clubs. While the story is widely circulated, historical records suggest the design was a deliberate architectural choice rather than a direct result of a card game.

Nearby Landmarks

• Texarkana Convention Center (0.8km North)
• Texarkana Museum of Natural History (1.2km North)
• Discovery Place Children's Museum (1.3km North)
• Perot Theatre (1.5km North)
• Texarkana USA Welcome Center (1.8km North)