The longest foot bridge in the world serves a functional and an aesthetic
purpose in the life of the citizens of Rusk. Originally built in 1861, the
546-foot-long and four-foot-wide wooden bridge provides the means for residents
east of the valley to cross College Creek a block and a half east of the
Cherokee County Courthouse. The heavily wooded valley often fills during the
rainy season, which averages 45 inches of rain. During the dry season, the
bridge crosses a shaded park with picnic tables and a small brook.
In the heart of East Texas and surrounded by pine and hardwood forests and
small farms, Rusk is rich in history and natural beauty. The site was chosen as
the county seat because it was in the center of the county.
The town was named for Thomas Jefferson Rusk in 1846. The lawyer was, with
Sam Houston, one of Texas’ original U.S. senators. He hailed from Nacogdoches,
just east of the town which bears his name.
After Texas joined the Union, Americans began filling the county in a mad
rush, bringing with them Southern plantations. The first two native-born Texas
governors came from Rusk: James S. Hogg, governor from 1891 to 1895, was born
on his family’s plantation outside of town; Thomas M. Campbell was also born in
Rusk and served as governor from 1906 to 1911.
Jim Hogg State Historical Park preserves Hogg’s birthplace in a 175-acre state
park two miles northeast of town on US84 with hiking trails, a museum, and a
cemetery. The park only has primitive camping. For more information, call
903/683-4850.
From mid-March to late October, the Rusk State Park, Texas’ narrowest and
longest state park, is the western terminus of the Texas State Railroad, the
railroad which runs the 31 miles between Rusk and Palestine through the East
Texas forest. Three miles west of town on US84, the park began as a city park
in 1972. Ten years later it was turned over to the state. From prairie grasses
to dogwood trees and loblolly pines, the diverse vegetation supports a wide
variety of wildlife and shades a campground with 93 sites, picnic grounds, and
a small lake. For more information on the park, call 903/683-5126.
Another of Rusk’s claims to fame is the Rusk State Hospital for the criminally
insane, on the north side of town off US69. Built in 1879, the hospital’s
administration building was a state prison until 1919. No tours are given and
the grounds are not open to the public.
Eastex Farms four miles north of Rusk has a gift shop (open Mon-Sat, 8am-5pm)
of locally grown and made preserves and pick-your-own fields. To find out what
is in season, call 903/683-4783. There are five bed and breakfast inns in the
Rusk area; for more information, call the Chamber of Commerce at
903/683-4242.
Coming up this weekend…
Las Posadas begins at 6pm at Blanco’s St. Ferdinand’s Catholic Church and
winds through town and back to the church for an authentic Mexican buffet, Dec.
20. 210/833-2201.
World’s Longest Hayride begins and ends at the courthouse and lasts for about
an hour, taking visitors on a trip to see Caldwell’s Christmas lights, Dec. 20.
409/567-3218.
Coming up…
Sendero de Maravillas/Trail of Marvels at San Antonio’s McNay Art Museum
exhibits photographer Geoff Winningham’s work documenting the celebrations of
Catholic saints in small, often remote villages across Mexico, Jan. 1-5.
210/805-1754.
This article appears in December 20 • 1996 and December 20 • 1996 (Cover).
