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Rusk, Texas

Although only one family was living here in 1846, Rusk was chosen as the seat of Cherokee County. The town is named after Thomas Jefferson Rusk, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. Rusk is also famed as the birthplace of James Stephen Hogg and Thomas Mitchell Campbell who were the first and second native-born Texans to serve as governor.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

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

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

Scenic Drive

Several routes near Rusk offer excellent woodland scenery: U.S. 69 both north and south; also F.M. 347, F.M. 747 (neither shown on most maps) that lead north from U.S. 84

Rusk, TX Scenic Drives

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


Things to do near Rusk, TX

Caddo Lake Steamboat Company

Ply the waters of Caddo Lake aboard the Graceful Ghost steamboat. It's a replica of an 1890s paddle wheel riverboat, like tho...

Henderson Country Club

Course Access: PrivateHoles: 9Reserve Advance Tee Times: Yes...

Witness Park and Prayer Tower

A gift to the city from businessman Bo Pilgrim, the tower features four Paccard bells from France and a chapel that never clo...

Sabine National Forest

Nearest entrance about five miles east on F.M. 353. ...

Lake Livingston State Park

640 acres on the east shoreline of Lake Livingston among pine and hardwood forest. Facilities include multiuse campsites with...