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

Merritt Building

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, April 23, 2023

1. Merritt Building Marker

Inscription. One of the first lots occupied after the town of Henderson was founded in 1848, this site has been a cornerstone in the city's downtown development. Jesse F. Merritt bought the lot in 1883 and had this brick building constructed for his Sunny South Saloon. Built by local brickmasons Dave and Logan Howard, it has been home to several enterprises over the years, including saloons, offices, and a local social club. It was the location for Cameron's Drug Store for fifty years. The Merritt Building remains important to Henderson's downtown area.

2nd Plaque
Entered in the National Register of Historic Places 1995

Erected 1988 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 11013.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1848.

Location. 32° 9.18′ N, 94° 47.965′ W. Marker is in Henderson, Texas, in Rusk County. It is at the intersection of East Main Street and South Main Street, on the right when traveling east on East Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 E Main Street, Henderson TX 75654, 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: Henderson (within shouting distance of this marker); The 1860 Henderson Fire (within

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shouting distance of this marker); Masonic Lodge Building (within shouting distance of this marker); First Baptist Church of Henderson (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Thomas Jefferson Rusk (about 500 feet away); The Rev. William Craig (about 700 feet away); Henderson City Cemetery (about 800 feet away); Judge William Wright Morris (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Henderson.

Merritt Building and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, April 23, 2023

2. Merritt Building and Marker

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 434 times since then and 41 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.