Henderson was designated the seat of Rusk County in 1843 and enjoyed rapid growth during its first two decades, but a disastrous fire in 1860 destroyed most of the business houses. Oil was discovered in 1930, and now Henderson is an oil and agriculture commercial center and home of Texas Baptist Institute. Henderson is a Main Street City with walking tours of the historic downtown district available.
In 1927, Columbus M. "Dad" Joiner believed there was oil in Rusk County. Joiner and an Oklahoma attorney and oil promoter had won and lost two fortunes in oil, and despite nearing age 70, he was beginning another search "without even the proverbial shoestring."
Henderson, TX Oil HistoryRestored 1901 Missouri Pacific RR depot houses museum of county history in old waiting room and office. Warehouse portion is hands-on learning center for children 3 to 11. On grounds is 1908 restored "Arnold Outhouse," first in state to receive historical marker. Ornate, gingerbread-style, "
Henderson, TX MuseumsEighteen miles northeast on Texas 43, The Harmony Hill Ghost Town was important trade center known as Nip and Tuck in 1850. Bypassed by railroads, the town declined, and in 1906
Henderson, TX Ghost TownsUnique amphitheater is located in natural crater that is 60 feet deep and 300
Henderson, TX AmphitheatersBetter known as Maplecroft, the name given when the house was built in 1870 by James F. Starr, son of Dr. James Harper Starr,...
Spanish for "The Street of the North," currently North Street in Nacogdoches, believed to be oldest public thoroughfare in th...
Ply the waters of Caddo Lake aboard the Graceful Ghost steamboat. It's a replica of an 1890s paddle wheel riverboat, like tho...
Non-profit reserve offers refuge and rehabilitation to endangered exotic cats and other wildlife. It's a state and federally ...