Rusk County, Texas
Rusk County lies deep in the Piney Woods of East Texas, where rich history meets beautiful natural surroundings. Henderson serves as the county seat and is a lively small town with plenty of local character.
Rusk County played an important part in the Texas oil boom of the 1930s, and remnants of that era can still be seen in the form of old pumpjacks scattered across the countryside. Fishing is another popular pastime, with Lake Striker attracting anglers looking for bass, catfish, and other catches.
The county was named after Thomas Jefferson Rusk, an important figure in the Texas Revolution. Autumn brings a special beauty to the area as the forests take on vibrant colors, creating great opportunities for photographers. Historic cemeteries, landmarks, and other sites also give visitors a chance to explore the county’s deep Texas roots.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Rusk County |
| County Seat | Henderson |
| Population | Approximately 54,000 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Henderson, Kilgore, Mount Enterprise, Overton, New London |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 259, U.S. Highway 79, State Highway 42, State Highway 64 |
| FIPS Code | 48-401 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 938 square miles (924 sq mi land, 14 sq mi water) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Smith County (Northwest), Gregg County (North), Harrison County (Northeast), Panola County (East), Shelby County (Southeast), Nacogdoches County (South), Cherokee County (Southwest) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| State | Texas |
| Coordinates | 31°20’N, 93°50’W |
| Etymology | Named after Thomas Jefferson Rusk, a Texas Revolution general and senator |
| Major Landmarks | Texas State Railroad, Depot Museum, Gaston Museum, Martin Creek Lake State Park |
