Henderson in Rusk County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
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.
Erected 1989 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 11003.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers .
Location. 32° 9.201′ N, 94° 47.964′ W. Marker is in Henderson, Texas, in Rusk County. Marker is at the intersection of East Main Street and North Main Street, on the right when traveling west on East Main Street. Heritage Square, at the intersection of North and South Main Streets with East and West Main Streets in the center of Henderson. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 East Main Street, Henderson TX 75652, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The 1860 Henderson Fire (a few steps from this marker); Merritt Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Masonic Lodge Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Thomas J. Rusk (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hardeman-Griffin House (approx. ¼ mile away); Gaston Public School Complex (approx. 5.7 miles away); Commemorating The Daisy Bradford #3 (approx. 5.8 miles away); The First Well in the East Texas Oil Field (approx. 7.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Henderson.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 28, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 82 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 28, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.