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

Site of Confederate Gun Factory

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, December 1, 2025

1. Site of Confederate Gun Factory Marker

Inscription. Built in 1862 by John L. Whitescarver, William H. Campbell and Benjamin F. Campbell. When unable to secure materials and tools for the manufacture of rifles, Colt-model pistols were made. A number of Negroes were employed.

Erected 1936 by State of Texas. (Marker Number 6629.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Texas 1936 Centennial Markers and Monuments series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.

Location. 31° 47.775′ N, 95° 9.412′ W. Marker is in Rusk, Texas, in Cherokee County. It is on West 6th Street (U.S. 84) 0.1 miles west of Doyle, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 496 W 6th St, Rusk TX 75785, 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: Site of Rusk Public School No. 2 for African Americans (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of Sam Houston Speeches (approx. ¼ mile away); Old College Bell (approx. 0.3 miles away); Site of the Union Hotel/Bracken House/Acme Hotel (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Rusk Cherokeean (approx. 0.4 miles away); Cherokee County C.S.A.

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

(approx. 0.4 miles away); Cherokee County Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away); Norman Law Firm (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rusk.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, December 1, 2025

2. Site of Confederate Gun Factory Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 4, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 3, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 86 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 3, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.