Henderson in Rusk County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
East Texas Musical Convention
Photographed by James Hulse, March 17, 2025
1. East Texas Musical Convention Marker
Inscription.
East Texas Musical Convention. . Sacred Harp (Fasola) singing is based on a system of shaped notes, dispersed harmony and minor chords. In its origins it was rural, folk, religious music that allowed singers to interpret, or personalize, the sounds. Brought westward by migrating settlers and kept alive through special songbooks, it found a welcome home in East Texas, where many settlers were from the South. Tradition holds that the East Texas Sacred Harp Singing Society, forerunner of the East Texas Musical Convention, dates to 1855. Suspended briefly during the Civil War years, the annual conventions, centered on six area counties, have maintained their popularity through the years.
Sacred Harp (Fasola) singing is based on a system of shaped notes, dispersed harmony and minor chords. In its origins it was rural, folk, religious music that allowed singers to interpret, or personalize, the sounds. Brought westward by migrating settlers and kept alive through special songbooks, it found a welcome home in East Texas, where many settlers were from the South. Tradition holds that the East Texas Sacred Harp Singing Society, forerunner of the East Texas Musical Convention, dates to 1855. Suspended briefly during the Civil War years, the annual conventions, centered on six area counties, have maintained their popularity through the years.
Erected 2005 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 15375.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Arts, Letters, Music. A significant historical year for this entry is 1855.
Location. 32° 9.529′ N, 94° 47.767′ W. Marker is in Henderson, Texas, in Rusk County. It is at the intersection of North High Street and Waskom St on North High Street. The marker is located on the grounds of the Depot Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 514 N High 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: Cotton Gin (within shouting distance of this marker); Beall - Ross Home (within shouting distance of this marker);
Credits. This page was last revised on March 27, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 26, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 223 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on March 27, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
