Henderson Texas, Rusk County Seat. (original) (raw)

Rusk County Seat, East Texas

32� 9' 14" N, 94� 48' 10" W 32. (153889, -94.802778)
US 259, Hwys 64, 79 and 43
138 miles E of Dallas
35 miles SE of Tyler
Population: 13,280 Est. (2018)
13,712 (2010) 11,273 (2000) 11,139 (1990)

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Historical Marker:

Henderson, Texas

Founded as the county seat for the newly created county of Rusk in 1843, Henderson was named for Republic of Texas pioneer and statesman James Pinckney Henderson, who would later become the first Governor of the State of Texas. Land for the town was donated by W. B. Ochiltree, who stipulated that it be named for his friend Henderson, and by Republic of Texas General James Smith, who is known as the "Father of Henderson."

Town lots were sold soon after the city was established, with land set aside for both churches and schools. A wooden courthouse was built in the center of town in 1849, and the town grew steadily as homes and businesses were constructed. A disastrous fire destroyed much of the central business district in 1860. Following the Civil War and the arrival of the railroads in this area in the 1870s, a large number of brick structures were built in the downtown area.

The discovery of the vast East Texas oil field in 1930 caused an economic boom in Henderson. The population increased from 2,000 to 10,000 within a matter of months. The town continues to serve as a center of commerce and civic activities.

(1989)

Henderson Landmarks / Attractions

• The Rusk County Courthouse
  (The fourth Rusk County Courthouse was built in 1928 and sits at the corner of North Main Street and Fordall Street.)
• Depot Museum and Children's Discovery Center:
  514 North High Street
• East Texas Discovery Well
• Gaston Museum:
  6558 Texas 64 west
• Howard-Dickinson House:
  501 Main Street
  Open 1 to 5.
  This house was the first brick house in Rusk County. After it was built in 1855, Sam Houston was a frequent guest of the owner.
• Lakeforest Park

Zig-zag detail on Rusk County Jail doorway
TE photo, 2003
See Texas Jails

The old Masonic Lodge building at 101 N. Main St.
TE photo, 2003
See Texas Lodges

Oil refinery, Henderson, Texas
Postcard courtesy www.rootsweb.com/ %7Etxpstcrd/

Henderson street scene
Postcard courtesy www.rootsweb.com/ %7Etxpstcrd/

Henderson Tourist Information
Henderson Area Chamber of Commerce
201 North Main Street, Henderson, Tx 75652
phone: 903-657-5528
Website: http://www.hendersontx.com/

Henderson Hotels > Book Hotel Here

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