Henderson County, Texas
Henderson County is located in East Texas, about an hour southeast of Dallas. Athens, the county seat, is known as the “Black-Eyed Pea Capital of the World,” a unique title that reflects the area’s agricultural traditions and local pride.
Cedar Creek Lake is one of the county’s biggest attractions and a popular escape for visitors from the Dallas area. Fishing, boating, and other water activities are enjoyed throughout the year. The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center is another major attraction, offering visitors a closer look at Texas aquatic life and the state’s famous bass fisheries.
Small towns and peaceful rural communities are scattered throughout the county, creating a friendly atmosphere where neighbors still wave as they pass by. Autumn brings beautiful colors to the countryside, while Athens Scuba Park offers a surprising destination for scuba diving enthusiasts. With its lakes, outdoor attractions, and unexpected adventures, Henderson County is full of pleasant surprises.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Henderson County |
| County Seat | Athens |
| Population | Approximately 85,000 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Athens, Gun Barrel City, Chandler, Eustace, Malakoff, Murchison |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 175, State Highway 31, State Highway 198 |
| FIPS Code | 48-213 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 948 square miles (874 sq mi land, 74 sq mi water) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Kaufman County (North), Van Zandt County (North), Smith County (East), Cherokee County (Southeast), Anderson County (South), Freestone County (Southwest), Navarro County (West), Ellis County (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| State | Texas |
| Coordinates | 32°13’N, 95°50’W |
| Etymology | Named after James Pinckney Henderson, the first governor of Texas |
| Major Landmarks | Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, East Texas Arboretum, Athens Scuba Park |
