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

Park Named for General James Smith

(Sept. 10, 1792 - Dec. 25, 1855)

Photographed by James Hulse, March 16, 2025

1. Park Named for General James Smith Marker

Inscription. On this hill, as he wished for burial in sight of courthouse is grave of General James Smith, co-founder of Henderson. A South Carolina native he fought for the U.S. in War of 1812. Moved to Texas 1835. Returned to U.S. to raise troops for Texas War for Independence. Later he fought in Republic's Indian Wars; Regulator-Moderator uprising in 1840's in East Texas; and in Mexican War.

He was first judge, East Texas district; a legislator; honored in naming of nearby Smith County.

His wife, Hannah Parker Smith is buried beside him in this park. They had ten children.

Erected 1968 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 11060.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1812.

Location. 32° 8.534′ N, 94° 47.966′ W. Marker is in Henderson, Texas, in Rusk County. It is at the intersection of South Main Street and Jacksonville Drive (Business U.S. 79), on the right when traveling south on South Main Street. The marker is located in the northern section of the Smith Memorial Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1019 S Main St, 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

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distance of this marker: General James Smith (within shouting distance of this marker); Howard Dickinson House (approx. half a mile away); Merritt Building (approx. ¾ mile away); First Baptist Church of Henderson (approx. ¾ mile away); Henderson (approx. ¾ mile away); The 1860 Henderson Fire (approx. ¾ mile away); Elias Fleming and Mattie Spharler Crim House (approx. 0.8 miles away); Masonic Lodge Building (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Henderson.

Photographed by James Hulse, March 16, 2025

2. Park Named for General James Smith Marker

The view of the marker in the Smith Memorial Park

Credits. This page was last revised on March 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 22, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 188 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 23, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.