Cherokee County, TX

Texas State Railroad

Operated by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, antique steam engines power vintage coaches 25 miles to Palestine in the nation's longest, skinniest state park through dense East Texas forestlands. Reservations recommended. (In Texas call toll-free 1-800-442-8951.)

Rusk, TX Railroad History

Lookout Mountain

Jacksonville, TX Recreation

Jim Hogg Historic Park

175-acre scenic forest area of lofty pines. Dedicated as memorial to Governor Hogg, attractions include restored birthplace, picnic areas, museum and family cemetery. Two mi. northeast off U.S. 84.

Rusk, TX Historic Parks

Caddoan Mounds State Historic Site

A chief archaeological site in Texas. Park includes two ceremonial and one burial mound, visitor center with exhibits, interpretive trail. Two ceremonial mounds of 300 by 350

Alto, TX Historic Sites

Old Rusk Penitentiary Bldg.

Central administration building of present Rusk State Hospital built as main building of former Rusk State Prison, 1878. Iron structures, including dome of State Capitol, fabricated here by prisoners. Ave. A and U.S. 69. Historical marker gives details.

Rusk, TX Historic Markers

Footbridge Garden Park

Wooded setting for 546-foot footbridge, said to be nation's longest, originally built 1861 for crossing valley during rainy season. Two blocks east of town square.

Rusk, TX Gardens

Vanishing Texana

Jacksonville, TX Museums

Bonner Bank Building

Cherokee County's first bank, established 1884, in 1865 building. Euclid St. and U.S. 69

Rusk, TX Historic Buildings

Killough Monument

Native stone monument commemorates victims of East Texas' worst Indian depredation, erected on spot where massacre took place on Oct. 5, 1838. (not shown on most maps)

Jacksonville, TX Monuments

Scenic Drives

Beautiful hill, forest and lake scenery both north and south on U.S. 69; also along F.M. 747 and F.M. 2138 (neither shown on most maps)

Jacksonville, TX Scenic Drives

Rusk/Palestine State Park

Each of the two units of the park offers outdoor fun and recreation, such as camping, hiking, picnicking, and pedal boating, along with watching native birds and small mammals. Rusk/

Rusk, TX State Parks

Love's Lookout Park

View is breathtaking; picnicking. Observation area has 35

Jacksonville, TX Scenic Views