Cities and Towns in Rusk County, Texas

Founded in 1843, Rusk County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Rusk County was formed from Nacogdoches County. The city of Henderson is the county seat. With FIPS code of 401, Rusk County has a population of 52,743 and area of 924 square miles (2,393 km²).

List of all cities in Rusk County, TX alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Anadarko, TX	75667	903/430
Chapman, TX	75652	903/430
Church Hill, TX	75652	903/430
Craig, TX	75652	903/430
Crimcrest, TX	75652	903/430
Dirgin, TX	75691	903/430
Friar, TX	75684	903/430
Fussel, TX	75667	903/430
Good Springs, TX	75652	903/430
Harmony, TX	75684	903/430
Henderson, TX	75652	903/430
	75653	903/430
	75654	903/430
	75680	903/430
Jacobs, TX	75684	903/430
Joinerville, TX	75658	903/430
Laird Hill, TX	75666	903/430
Lake Cherokee, TX	75652	903/430
Laneville, TX	75667	903/430
Leveretts Chapel, TX	75684	903/430
McKnight, TX	75652	903/430
Minden, TX	75680	903/430
Mount Enterprise, TX	75681	903/430
New London, TX	75682	903/430
New Salem, TX	75652	903/430
Old London, TX	75682	903/430
Overton, TX	75684	903/430
Pinehill, TX	75652	903/430
Pirtle, TX	75684	903/430
Pitner Junction, TX	75684	903/430
Pleasant Grove, TX	75652	903/430
Pone, TX	75667	903/430
Price, TX	75687	903/430
Selman City, TX	75689	903/430
Sexton City, TX	75684	903/430
Stewart, TX	75652	903/430
Tatum, TX	75691	903/430
Turnertown, TX	75689	903/430
Wright City, TX	75684	903/430

Major Cities and Towns in Rusk County, Texas

Henderson

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 8.0 square miles
• Population: 14,000 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 75652, 75653
• Latitude: 31.7834° N
• Longitude: 94.7874° W

Location and History

Henderson, the county seat of Rusk County, is located in the Piney Woods region of East Texas, approximately 120 miles east of Dallas. Founded in 1843 and named after James Pinckney Henderson, the first governor of Texas, Henderson developed quickly as a center for trade and commerce due to its strategic location on early transportation routes. The arrival of the railroad in the 1870s further solidified Henderson’s status as a regional hub, particularly for agriculture, timber, and manufacturing. The town prospered as a shipping point for cotton and timber, and it remains known for its historic downtown and nearby oil production. In the 20th century, the economy diversified, but agriculture and oil continued to play key roles. Henderson also has a rich cultural history, hosting festivals like the Annual Rusk County Fair. The city’s development is a testament to its strong ties to Texas’ economic and cultural roots, and it has successfully maintained its small-town charm while growing into a significant regional center.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Henderson is served by the Henderson Independent School District, which includes Henderson High School, a major educational institution offering a range of academic and extracurricular programs. The city also has several private schools, enriching its educational landscape. Key landmarks include the Rusk County Courthouse, a historic structure built in the early 20th century that serves as the heart of local government. Downtown Henderson features a vibrant collection of historic buildings and businesses, contributing to its nostalgic, small-town atmosphere. Another landmark is the Depot Museum, housed in the former railroad depot, which showcases Henderson’s rich history as a rail town. The city also boasts several parks and recreational areas, including Lake Forest Park and the Sam Houston Memorial Park, which offer opportunities for picnics, hiking, and fishing. The nearby Martin Creek Lake State Park is popular for boating, fishing, and wildlife observation. Henderson’s annual Rusk County Fair is a major event that celebrates the area’s agricultural roots, featuring rodeos, live music, and a carnival.

Kilgore

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 12.8 square miles
• Population: 14,000 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 75662
• Latitude: 32.3815° N
• Longitude: 94.8734° W

Location and History

Kilgore is located in the northern part of Rusk County, approximately 120 miles east of Dallas. Founded in 1872, Kilgore grew rapidly after the discovery of oil in the early 1930s, which led to the town being dubbed the “City of Stars.” The East Texas Oil Field was one of the largest oil discoveries in the United States, and Kilgore’s economy boomed as a result. The oil industry attracted thousands of people to the area, transforming the town from a small agricultural community into a bustling oil boomtown. As the oil industry stabilized, Kilgore diversified its economy, and the city saw a gradual shift toward manufacturing and retail. Today, Kilgore is known for its historic roots in the oil industry and is a regional center for trade and commerce in East Texas. Despite its growth, Kilgore has preserved much of its small-town charm, and it continues to honor its rich history while fostering modern development.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Kilgore is served by the Kilgore Independent School District, which includes Kilgore High School, one of the city’s key institutions. The school offers a range of programs in academics, athletics, and the arts. The city is also home to Kilgore College, a community college that offers higher education and training programs for local residents. One of Kilgore’s most famous landmarks is the Texas Shakespeare Festival, which draws thousands of visitors each year to see high-quality productions of the Bard’s works. The festival is held annually at the Van Cliburn Auditorium on the Kilgore College campus. The town also boasts the East Texas Oil Museum, a museum dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of the East Texas Oil Field and its impact on the region. Other notable landmarks include the historic Kilgore Depot, which served as the town’s transportation hub during its oil boom years, and the beautiful Lake Kilgore, which offers opportunities for outdoor recreation like fishing and boating. Kilgore’s proximity to larger cities like Longview and Tyler makes it an attractive place for those seeking a quieter lifestyle without sacrificing access to modern amenities.

Overton

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 1.3 square miles
• Population: 2,500 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 75684
• Latitude: 32.3211° N
• Longitude: 94.7956° W

Location and History

Overton is a small town located in the northeastern part of Rusk County, about 20 miles southwest of Longview. Overton was established in the 1870s and named after its founder, J.D. Overton, a local landowner. Early settlers were primarily involved in agriculture, including cotton farming, but the arrival of the railroad in the 1880s spurred economic growth and established Overton as a regional trading center. The town continued to grow during the early 20th century, and although it never reached the size of nearby Kilgore or Henderson, Overton became known for its tight-knit community and quiet rural atmosphere. The town has managed to preserve much of its historical charm while adapting to modern times, with a slower pace of life compared to larger neighboring cities. Overton is known for its proximity to the Sabine River and its abundant natural beauty, making it an attractive location for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle surrounded by the landscape of East Texas.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Overton is served by the Overton Independent School District, which includes Overton High School, a cornerstone of the community. The school provides academic, athletic, and extracurricular opportunities for students. One of the town’s most significant landmarks is the Overton Museum, which showcases the history of the town and surrounding area, including its agricultural roots and early railroad history. Another key landmark is the Overton City Park, a popular place for families and visitors to enjoy outdoor activities like picnicking, walking, and playing sports. Overton also boasts several historic buildings, including the town’s old railroad depot, which once played a vital role in the town’s economic life. The Sabine River, which runs near the town, provides scenic views and outdoor recreational opportunities such as fishing and boating. Overton’s small-town charm and access to the beautiful natural surroundings of East Texas make it an appealing location for those looking for a more laid-back lifestyle. The town also hosts local events throughout the year, celebrating its heritage and bringing the community together.