Historical Marker

Howard-Dickinson House

Marker installed: 1968
Marker size: Medallion & Plate

First brick home in county. Built 1855 by brothers, David P. and Jas. Logan Howard, settlers from Richmond, Va. The Howards made bricks with mud mill and later with a patented machine and kiln on the premises.

(Howard bricks and carpentry went into the old courthouse on Square-- and most of the city's major construction in later 1800s.)

Structure is iron-reinforced; has hand-wrought woodwork and oldest plastered walls in city.

A frequent visitor in early years to this house was Texas statesman Sam Houston, a cousin of Martha Ann (Mrs. Dave) Howard.

The home was bought 1905 by Mrs. M. C. Dickinson, the daughter of Dr. Alfred Graham, a pioneer physician of Rusk County. To the original house, the Dickinsons added frame wing at the rear

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

houses residential buildings
The Alamo, a mission in San Antonio, is perhaps the most famous historical site in Texas. It was the site of a key battle during the Texas Revolution in 1836.
Texas random facts
Rusk County, Texas has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo, who were skilled farmers and traders. European explorers and settlers began to arrive in the region during the 18th century, with the Spanish establishing missions and claiming the land as part of their New Spain colony.

In the early 19th century, American pioneers began to settle in what is now Rusk County. The county was named after Thomas Jefferson Rusk, a prominent Texas statesman and military leader. Rusk County played a significant role in the Texas Revolution, with several local residents participating in the Battle of San Jacinto, which ultimately led to Texas gaining independence from Mexico in 1836.

The discovery of oil in Rusk County in the early 20th century brought a wave of economic development and prosperity to the area. The East Texas Oil Boom transformed Rusk County into one of the largest oil-producing regions in the United States, attracting thousands of workers and businesses to the county. The oil industry continues to be a major economic driver in Rusk County today.

In addition to its oil heritage, Rusk County is also known for its rich cultural heritage. The city of Henderson, the county seat, boasts a historic downtown district with many well-preserved buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries. The county is also home to numerous historical sites, museums, and events that celebrate its history, including the Rusk County Historical Commission and the Depot Museum in Henderson.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Rusk County, Texas.

  • 1843 - Rusk County established as a county in the Republic of Texas
  • 1858 - The town of Henderson becomes the county seat
  • 1861-1865 - Rusk County residents participate in the American Civil War
  • 1901 - The first oil well is drilled in Rusk County, leading to the East Texas Oil Boom
  • 1937 - Rusk County experiences a devastating flood, causing significant damage
  • 1964 - Martin Luther King Jr. delivers a speech in Henderson during the Civil Rights Movement
  • 1989 - The Texas Legislature designates Rusk County as the "Antique Capital of East Texas"
  • 2020 - Rusk County celebrates its 177th anniversary