Sulphur Springs Missionary Baptist Church
Historical marker location:While no church records predating 1895 exist today, tradition holds that Sulphur Springs Missionary Baptist Church dates to 1890, when area residents formed the congregation. They first met in the Sulphur Springs schoolhouse near the springs for which the community is named. In the early part of the 20th century, the congregation moved to this site, where it built a frame sanctuary. Other facilities were added during the next several decades as the church continued to grow. Over the years, members have supported other churches through the Texas Mission Builders program, as well as denominational organizations such as the American Baptist Association. (2005)
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.
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.
Rusk County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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