Historical Marker

Lockridge Cemetery

Historical marker location:
From Henderson go S. on HWY 79, turn left on FM 839. Go approx. 2.5 mi. & turn left on CR 401. Turn rt. On CR 442-D. Cemetery is on left approx. .2 mi., Henderson, Texas
( on CR 442D, .25 mi. NE of intersection of CR 401 & CR 442D)
Marker installed: 2009
Marker size: 18" x 28"

Henry T. Lockridge settled in Rusk County, Texas during the 1850s. After serving in the Confederate Army during the Civil War, he purchased land from Charles Lewis in 1863. Henry and his wife, Jane Hunter Lockridge, lived the remainder of their lives on the property. Lockridge Cemetery is also located on the property. Although the oldest marked grave is that of Sarah M. Hunter, who died in 1881, it is believed that earlier burials exist. The cemetery became inactive after the 1940s, but there have been several burials at the site since 2004, beginning with the burial of a grandson of Henry T. and Jane Hunter Lockridge. Much of the land surrounding the cemetery is still owned by Lockridge descendants. Historic Texas Cemetery-2008

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.

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Texas was once a part of Mexico but gained independence in 1836 after a famous battle at the Alamo.
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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