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

Cotton Gin

Photographed by James Hulse, March 17, 2025

1. Cotton Gin Marker

Inscription. The Mt. Enterprise Cotton Gin was donated by the Barts family of Mt. Enterprise, Texas: Mark, Sandi, Brian, April, Timmy, Jacob and Bailey, to the Rusk County Historical Commission for the preservation and enjoyment of all generations.

In 1792 Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin, a machine that revolutionized the cotton industry. In 1870 the U.S. Agricultural Schedules shows that Rusk County ranked 4th in the state in cotton production, and there were 57 cotton gins in the county by 1900. Cotton was very important to the overall economy of the county. During 1830-1860 Rusk County grew due to areas rich in agriculture. Cotton was king. Most early settlers were from the southern states and they brought their agricultural system and slaves with them to Texas. During the Civil War, cotton farming remained strong, because of tenant farming, railroad construction, and better farming equipment. Cotton farming declined after the discovery of oil in 1930. The Mt. Enterprise Gin was established in 1935 and operated until World War II. The Continental Gin Company produced the Munger Model Gin, powered by a 70 hp Anderson oil burning

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engine.

Erected by Rusk County Historical Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1792.

Location. 32° 9.514′ N, 94° 47.768′ 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: East Texas Musical Convention (within shouting distance of this marker); Beall - Ross Home

Cotton Gin and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, March 17, 2025

2. Cotton Gin and Marker

(within shouting distance of this marker); The Henderson Depot (within shouting distance of this marker); M. Kangerga House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mattie Trammell Schoolhouse (about 300 feet away); T.J. Walling Log Cabin (about 300 feet away); Rusk County Agriculture (about 400 feet away); Arnold Outhouse (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Henderson.

Interior view of the Cotton Gin image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, March 17, 2025

3. Interior view of the Cotton Gin

Anderson Oil Engine for the Cotton Gin image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, March 17, 2025

4. Anderson Oil Engine for the Cotton Gin

Closeup of the Cotton Gin image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, March 17, 2025

5. Closeup of the Cotton Gin

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 173 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 27, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.