Living in Henderson, TX

Henderson is the county seat of Rusk County, a small city with a historic downtown, pine-covered countryside and deep roots in the East Texas oil boom. It's close to Kilgore, Longview and Tyler, but it still feels like a classic Texas county seat.

Getting around

US 79, US 259, SH 64, SH 43 and SH 42 all meet in Henderson. Kilgore is about 12 miles north on US 259, with I-20 and Longview beyond it, and Tyler is about 35 miles west on SH 64. Dallas/Fort Worth is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive.

Things to do

The Depot Museum, a 5-acre complex with a historic railroad depot, caboose, dry goods store, cotton gin and a children's discovery center
Lake Forest Park, the city's largest park, with a 15-acre lake, fishing piers and the Henderson Civic Center
The Heritage Syrup Festival, a November tradition downtown that celebrates old-time sorghum syrup making
The Howard-Dickinson House, built in 1855 and a Texas Historic Landmark open for tours
Martin Creek Lake State Park, a short drive away for camping, fishing, swimming and hiking

Schools

Most of Henderson is served by Henderson ISD, with a small part of the city in West Rusk ISD. Homes in the surrounding county fall in several other districts, so I always confirm the school assignment for a specific address.

Homes and acreage

In town, you'll find older homes near downtown, established neighborhoods with mature trees and some newer construction. Outside the city limits, Rusk County has plenty of rural homes, wooded acreage and land, which is a big draw for buyers who want room to spread out.

A little history

Henderson became the county seat when Rusk County was created in 1843, and it's named for James Pinckney Henderson, the first governor of Texas. In 1930, "Dad" Joiner's Daisy Bradford No. 3 well, about 6 miles northwest of town, opened the East Texas Oil Field.