This city was designated of Rusk County in 1843. The city enjoyed rapid development and growth until, in 1860, the city was mostly destroyed by a fire. Oil was discovered and city is now an oil and agricultural center.
Things to do in Henderson
Depot Museum and Children's Discovery Center
This restored 1901 Missouri Pacific RR depot houses the museum of county history. The warehouse portion is a hands-on learning center for children 3 to 11. Also on the grounds is a 1908 restored Arnold Outhouse, which was the first outhouse in the state to receive a historical marker. Additionally there is a restored 1814 cabin, among other attractions. Open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm and Saturday 9am - 1pm. Located at 514 North High Street.
East Texas Discovery Well
By 1927, Columber M. "Dad" Joiner was nearing the age of 70 and having won and lost two fortunes in oil he decided to make another go of it. With inferior equipment he drilled on Daisy Bradford's land twice before finally striking oil on September 3, 1930 only 300-feet from his first attempt. Then, just a month later, the Daisy Bradford #3 blew in as a 300 barrel-a-day well and kicked off the East Texas Oil Boom. Located just a mile north of Pioneer Park on CR 4136 and is marked by a 1936 pink granite marker.
Gaston Museum
When the Daisy Bradford #3 blew in near Gaston, the onslaught of oil field workers came with hundreds of children. Within seven years, the Gaston school district grew from 79 to 1,832 students, making it the largest rural school in the world. What began as an exhibit for class reunions has turned into a full-fledged museum. More than 3,000 artifacts help portray the boom days through the eyes of a child. Located 6558 Highway 64 West. Open Friday - Saturday 9am - 4:40pm.
Harmony Hill Ghost Town
This town was an important trade center that went by the name Nip and Tuck in the 1850s. When it was passed by railroads the town declined and then, in 1906, a storm destroyed many of the buildings. Only the well-kept cemetery remains. Located Eighteen miles northeast on Texas 43.
Henderson Civic Theatre
This theatre is located in the National Register Historic District. The theatre presents quarterly theatrical productions in the restored opera house. Call 903-657-2968 for more information.
Howard-Dickinson House
This home was built in 1855 and was the first brick house built in the county. The restoration is cited by the American Association for State & Local History. Located at 501 South Main Street. Open Monday - Friday 1 - 5pm.
Lakeforest Park
This park, consisting of 55-acres, is administered by the City of Henderson and includes a swimming pool, picnic area, miniature golf, playgrounds and a carousel. Located west on Texas 64.
Pioneer Park
Located about six miles west of Henderson on Texas 64 at County Road 4148 you will find Pioneer Park with derrick covered picnic areas. Also in the park is the Joe Roughneck Monument, erected by Lone Star Steel as a memorial tribute to the working men in the oil fields known as "roughnecks."
Rose Hill Country Theater
This unique amphitheater is located in a natural crater that is 60 feet deep and 300 yards in diameter. Legend has it that the crater was once a gathering place for the Caddo Indians to play tribal games. Concert performances are scheduled April through September. Located just 12 miles south of Henderson. Call for schedule. Call 903-657-7418 for more information.
Rusk County Courthouse
This courthouse is a large four storied structure with Art Deco revival stylistic features. It was built in 1928 and serves as a prominent physical, social and political landmark in the community. Located at 115 North main Street.
Striker Lake
Located 18 miles southwest of Henderson. This 2,400-acre lake is used for recreation and is a great bass fishing lake with marina facilities, boat launching, plus picnicking and camping areas.
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