Henderson in Rusk County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Henderson

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, April 23, 2023

1. Henderson Marker

Inscription. 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.

Erected 1989 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 11003.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers

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. A significant historical year for this entry is 1843.

Location. 32° 9.201′ N, 94° 47.964′ W. Marker is in Henderson, Texas, in Rusk County. It 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.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and in the Piney Woods.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 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 Jefferson Rusk (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Baptist Church of Henderson (about 500 feet away); The Rev. William Craig (about 700 feet away); Henderson City Cemetery (about 700 feet away); Judge William Wright Morris (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Henderson.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, April 23, 2023

2. Henderson Marker

The marker is on the left and The 1860 Henderson Fire marker is on the right.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 2, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 28, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 498 times since then and 34 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.