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

Site of Sam Houston Speeches

Photographed By Brian Anderson, January 19, 2019

1. Site of Sam Houston Speeches Marker

Inscription. Two speeches were delivered by Sam Houston in Rusk. The first, in 1855, was a debate with politician Frank Bowden. Houston, a U.S. Senator, was on a tour through central and east Texas trying to regain public favor after voting against the Kansas-Nebraska Act. Political debates were popular entertainment of the time, and were well attended. Houston campaigned for governor here in 1857. A newspaper account states his speech lasted three hours, but brought little enthusiasm from the crowd. When he finished speaking, applause was weak and many of the benches were empty.

Erected 1996 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 6916.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. A significant historical year for this entry is 1855.

Location. 31° 47.651′ N, 95° 9.174′ W. Marker is in Rusk, Texas, in Cherokee County. Marker is at the intersection of Barron Street and West 4th Street (Farm to Market Road 23), on the right when traveling south on Barron Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 222 Barron Street, Rusk TX 75785, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Old College Bell (within shouting distance of this marker); First Presbyterian Church of Rusk (approx. 0.2 miles away); Norman Law Firm

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(approx. 0.2 miles away); Site of the Union Hotel/Bracken House/Acme Hotel (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cherokee County C.S.A. (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cherokee County Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Old Bonner Bank Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cherokee County Courthouse (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rusk.

The view of the Site of Sam Houston Speeches Marker from the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, September 1, 2023

2. The view of the Site of Sam Houston Speeches Marker from the street

Credits. This page was last revised on September 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 22, 2019, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. This page has been viewed 508 times since then and 79 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 22, 2019, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. 2. submitted on September 5, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.