touring texas 2022

Touring Texas

2022 TexEasasSt tyle

2 | TOURISM 2022-2023

CONTENTS

Tourism 2022-2023

4 ABOUT HENDERSON
LETTER FROM THE MAYOR PG 5

6 DEPOT MUSEUM

GRANDPARENT’S DAY

7 HOWARD DICKINSON

HOUSE

8 HENDERSON CIVIC

THEATRE

10 HENDERSON PARKS
DOWNTOWN ALLEY ON MAIN
LAKE FOREST PARK
YATES PARK
FAIR PARK

14 HERITAGE SYRUP

FESTIVAL

16 WILDFLOWER TRAILS
CHRISTMAS IN HENDERSON

17 MOUNT ENTERPRISE
18 NEW LONDON

LONDON MUSEUM

19 GASTON MUSEUM
21 OVERTON
22 REKLAW

LAKE STRIKER

23 TATUM
MARTIN CREEK LAKE STATE PARK
PUBLISHED BY

1711 U.S. HIGHWAY 79 S.
HENDERSON, TX. 75654

903-657-2501
WWW.THEHENDERSONNEWS.COM
County information is from the Texas State Historical Association

TOURISM 2022-2023 | 3

THENDERSONhe City of Henderson is one of Texas’
best small towns to visit, live and play.
This Go Texan Certified Retirement
Community is located in the Pineywoods
of Northeast Texas just 35 miles from Tyler,
Longview and Nacogdoches and offers a true
taste of southern hospitality from its historic
sites, friendly atmosphere and rich traditions.
Henderson is home to more than 13,000
residents and is the county seat of Rusk County.
Formed in the 1800s, the downtown business
district was laid out around the courthouse
square and is now a vibrant downtown
historic district. Since 1988 it has been a Texas
Main Street City and is also a National Main
Street City. Today the unique character of
downtown has been preserved and has new
life. Henderson is a hub for business activity,
serves as a major crossroads in Northeast
Texas, and offers a variety of sightseeing
opportunities, shopping and dining. Come
and see why so many people are making this
true Texas community their home.
4 | TOURISM 2022-2023

Hello and Welcome to Henderson, Texas!

A F F I L I AT E Thank you for the interest that you have shown in our city.

Located in the “Heart of East Texas,” Henderson is a vibrant, affordable and active
city with so many experiences to share. Start your visit in our National Register His-
toric Downtown Square. Upscale shopping, antiques, and eateries provide a unique
shopping experience. Continue with a visit to one of our local museums or watch
live theater at our historic opera house. We have three beautiful parks which have
been totally renovated.

Henderson has achieved many state and national designations for the superb quality
of life which offer a perfect community to raise a family. Our GO-TEXAN CERTIFIED
RETIREMENT COMMUNITY is one that we are so proud of.

Most recently the city received a 1st Place Award in our population size, with Keep
Texas Beautiful.

We invite you to make your overnight accommodations for a few days in beautiful
Henderson.

If you happen to plan your visit for the second Saturday in November, be sure to
enjoy the Annual Heritage Syrup Festival, the Sweetest Festival in Texas, and the
only folk life festival in East Texas.

Sincerely,

John W. Fullen Visit us at www.visithendersontx.com
Mayor
TOURISM 2022-2023 | 5

DEPOT MUSEUM

The Depot Museum/Children’s Marker. The Arnold Building includes tales
Discovery Center and Operational of Indians, settlers, schools, technology,
Cotton Gin is home to a large portion wildcatters, as well as industry from Rusk
of Rusk County’s history. The five-acre County. Outside the main building is the
museum features exhibits and 12 restored Beall-Ross house, an example of dogtrot
structures. The Walling Log Cabin built in architecture and home to the founder of
1841 and the Arnold Outhouse has been Bealls Department Store. A large two-story
awarded a Texas Historical Marker with the building contains a Continental cotton
Arnold Outhouse in Texas with a Historical gin from Mount Enterprise, the last in the
county with all the equipment in place. The
Depot Museum also housed a saw mill, a
restored 1901 Missouri-Pacific depot, the
T.J. Walling log cabin, Arnold Outhouse,
a general store, print shop, doctor’s office,
MOPAC caboose, an oil derrick and a
barn and broom factory. The 1950-60s era
carousel from Lake Forest Park is the latest
Open Year Round 514 N. High Street edition to the complex. The syrup mill on
Mon - Fri 9 am - 4 pm the grounds is the focus of the Heritage
Saturday 9 am-12 pm Henderson, TX Syrup Festival each year. The museum,
903-657-4303

(Saturday for birthday parties only.) located at 514 N. High St., is open year
round with the exception of holidays, from
Admission Fees: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.
$3 Adult, $2 Senior $1 Child

$1 Carousel Rides

www.depotmuseum.com until noon on Saturdays, for parties only.
[email protected] For reservations or more information about

the museum, call 903-657-4303 or visit
www.depotmuseum.com.

The Depot Museum houses the
Rusk County History Museum and
Children’s Discovery Center. Clustered
on five acres are twelve restored
structures from Rusk County’s past.
A video introduces guests to the
early residents of Rusk County - an
intriguing blend of Native American,
settlers, and oil-hungry wildcatters.
The Rusk County Historical Commis-
sion and Genealogy office is also on
the grounds.
6 | TOURISM 2022-2023

HOWARD DICKINSON HOUSE

The Howard Dickinson House and it was opened to the public as a
located at 501 South Main is one living museum and meeting place for
of the most historic buildings in special events after extensive fundraising
Henderson. Posed serenely on a gentle for the restoration. The Howard Dickinson
hill overlooking South Main Street, the House was presented a Texas Historical
Howard Dickinson House stands as a Medallion in 1968 and was recorded
testament to more than 160 years of Rusk as a Texas Historical Landmark for its
County History. It was the first brick home importance to Henderson and early Texas
built in the county by brothers James and history. Tours are by appointment only.
David P. Howard, settlers from Virginia. For more information, call the Henderson
The two were brick masons and carpenters Area Chamber of Commerce at 903-657-
and were involved in building many of 6925.
the buildings in downtown Henderson.
Sam Houston was a frequent visitor to
the house and the first president of the
Republic of Texas was a cousin to Martha
Ann Howard. The Texas statesman’s
campaign trunk is displayed in the
house. The home was bought in 1905
by Mrs. M.C. Dickinson and was used as
a boarding house during the East Texas
Oil Boom years. The Dickinsons added a
wing that contains the library and lived in
the home for nearly 50 years.
Mr. and Mrs. Homer Bryce purchased
the house in 1950, but it stood empty for
14 years. In 1964, Bryce deeded the house
to the Rusk County Heritage Association

TOURISM 2022-2023| 7

HENDERSON CIVIC THEATRE
The Henderson Civic
Theatre, located in the
restored downtown
Opera House at 112 E. Main St.,
offers the finest in community
theatre with a wide variety
of plays and musicals to suit
all tastes. HCT is a nonprofit
organization dedicated to
engaging and educating the
general public through the
presentation of dramatic arts
in all forms. HCT’s production
season begins in the fall and
sponsors other unique events
throughout the year and is
committed to furthering its
outreach endeavors through
new programs, partnerships,
and community involvement.
For more information visit
www.hendersoncivictheatre.
org or call 903-657-2968.

8 | TOURISM 2022-2023

PROTECTING
OUR TEXANS

This is protection that moves with you through life.
Call today to get a FREE 360 Review∏ of your current
auto, home, and life coverage.

RUSK COUNTY
Henderson Office
1315 U.S. Hwy. 79 N
903.657.4594
Kilgore Office
2713 S. Henderson Blvd.
903.988.8468

Coverage and discounts are subject to qualifications and policy terms, and may vary by situation. Life insurance provided by
Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, Jackson, MS.©2022 Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Companies. RUS0922

TOURISM 2022-2023 | 9

HENDERSON PARKS

ALLEY ON MAIN

Henderson is home to several parks.
Located next to the Rusk County Library is
an area designed for visitors to enjoy historic
downtown Henderson. The area features
tables with umbrellas, plants and a water
feature on the wall of the library. Lights also
hang across the area to provide light in the
evening hours for families and friends to meet
and visit. Public restrooms are also available.

LAKE FOREST PARK

The large park between the Henderson
Civic Center and Henderson Police
Department is Lake Forest Park located on
Texas Highway 64 West. The park features
pavilions, restrooms, a playground, rose
gardens and a walkway that leads to a
gazebo over the lake. It is a popular spot
for fishing, picnics and walking. The park
also contains disc golf pavilions. Keep
Henderson Beautiful also constructed a
plaza at the lake for concerts and other
events.

YATES PARK

Located on Van Sickle
Street, Henderson’s Yates
Park features a playground,
restrooms, a lighted basketball
court and softball field, a
splash pad and plenty of open
space to play.

FAIR PARK

Located just a few blocks from downtown on Fair Park Avenue, is bustling Fair Park with
activities for the whole family. It includes a lighted pavilion, playground, splash pad for
children, skateboard ramps, a softball field, tennis courts, a shaded 1.8 mile ADA concrete
walking trail with benches, a seasonal farmers’ market and a new dog park called Fair Paws
Dog Park.

10 | TOURISM 2022-2023

RUSK COUNTY AIRPORT

The T-33 training jet is located at the entrance of Rusk County Airport, conveniently
located at 3500 County Road 416A, three miles from downtown Henderson. The
jet was used to train Air Force pilots during the 1950s and 1960s and it also serves
as a memorial to all veterans. Since the completion of the airport terminal, the airport
has added covered parking for those who fly, a spacious lobby, a pilot weather and
planning room, Wi-Fi access and TV for guests to stay up-to-date on weather and news
while traveling. The Rusk County Airport is home to the some of the lowest priced 100LL
AVGAS in the country and fuel is available 24/7 by a self-serve credit card terminal at the
pump. A courtesy vehicle is also available to travel into Henderson. The airport is home
to the annual Air Show held the first Saturday in June. For more information, call Airport
Manager Ron Franks at 903-657-7081 or visit www.ruskcountyairport.com.

EXPO CENTER Henderson Health & Rehab is an Approved Outpatient
Physical and Occupational Therapy Facility.
The Tommy McDaniel Rusk County
Youth Expo Center, located at 3303 FM Skilled, Quality Rehab Health Care For All
13 West, has a long history of hosting Long Term, Short Term and Respite Medical Care
many agricultural events for the youth in the
community. The center is home to many
large events including the Rusk County
Youth Project Show, the Rusk County RRCA
Rodeo, the East Texas Antique Tractor
and Engine Show and the Texas Oilfield
Angels Crawfish Boil. The 100,000 square
foot facility, renovated in 2016-2017, can
accommodate weddings, reunions, jackpot
shows, rodeos and a variety of other
events. For more information, contact Expo
Manager Jennifer Sprayberry at 903-722-
0101.

1010 West Main • Henderson, Texas

903-657-6513

TOURISM 2022-2023 | 11

MAKE MEMORIES
Downtown Destinations
Antiques & Boutiques around every corner

Better Half Antiques Henderson Civic Theater Rayford Florist
Campfire Coffee Co. Katalyst Salon Revive & Renew Salon

Cage 24 Kelly B’s on the Square SoShee Boutique
Covenant Antiques The Look Salon The Southern Byrd
The Curious Wren Mane Street Salon Uppercut Barbershop
Deadwood South Boutique
Peterson’s Home Furnishings Western Auto
Donovan’s Possibilities Wild Iris Florist & Fine Gifts

STAY AWHILE...

12 | TOURISM 2022-2023

Alley on Main Howard Dickinson House

HENDERSON

Martin Creek Lake State Park Henderson Civic Theater

Heritage Syrup Festival

YEAR AROUND EVENTS
FEBRUARY JULY OCTOBER
Mardi Gras Freedom Festival Rusk County Rodeo
Youth Project Show Downtown Trick-or-Treat
APRIL AUGUST NOVEMBER
Antique Tractor Show Sacred Harp Singing Convention Magic on Main Open House
A Day on Main, Spring Art Walk Heritage Syrup Festival
APRIL-MAY SEPTEMBER
Drivable Wildflower Trails Autumn Art Walk DECEMBER
Christmas Parade, Visit Santa’s House

For more information contact the Tourism Department at 903-392-0691
or email [email protected]

TOURISM 2022-2023 | 13

HERITAGE SYRUP FESTIVAL

HERITAGE SYRUP FESTIVAL AT The festival is always held the
THE DEPOT MUSEUM second Saturday in November.
NOVEMBER 12, 2022 The “Sweetest Festival in Texas” is
centered around old-time syrup making
Depot Museum Grounds, 514 N. High St., 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. with folk artist demostrating their skills,
Ribbon Cane Syrup Making antique tractors and cars, arts and crafts,
9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. entertainment, children’s activities, a
variety of food vendors and much more.
FolkArt Demonstrations From the Depot Museum, the festivities
spread six blocks to Heritage Square in
Grist Mill, Herbalist, Woodcarvers, Rope Maker, downtown Henderson, visitors can browse
Flint Knapping, Blacksmith, Spinner, Weavers, Soap Making among the 250 shopping booths, sample
East Texas cuisine and enjoy music on stage
Activities one or enjoy Henderson Civic Theatre’s
performance at the former Opera House.
Carousel Rides: $1.00 per person A fun filled experience awaits you on stage
Caricature Artist: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. two where cloggers and square dancers
will entertain you. Relive history while you
Face Painting visit the antique and classic car exhibit. The
and much more. children’s section provides activities which
are sure to promise a fun filled day for the
Story Tellers at the Pavilion: entire family. Hayride shuttles, sponsored
by the Rusk County 4-H Club, provide
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. rustic transportation between the Depot
Saw Mill Demonstration on the hour Museum and Downtown Heritage Square.
Antique Tractor and Engine Display This event is free and open to all ages. For
more information, call City of Henderson
Tour the Cotton Gin Tourism Department at 903-392-0691or
The Depot Museum at 903-657-4303.
Entertainment

10:00 - 12:00 New Life Worship Team
12:00 - 2:00 Southern Impact Band
2:00 - 4:00 Hatti Bridges Alexander

14 | TOURISM 2022-2023

CSOPROPNOSROARTSE SFPOOLNKSAORRTS
Blazer Electric & Satellite
AEP/ Southwestern Electric Power November 12, 2022 Gearheart & Gearheart, PLLC
Company Henderson Quick Copy Printing
TITLE SPONSOR Kenneth Orr Construction, LLC
Arnold Abstract Company/East
Texas Title Companies Mr. & Mrs. Bill Preston
Badders Law Firm Mr. & Mrs. Tony Wooster
Phenix & Crump, PLLC
Bane Investment Holdings Richard W Ferguson CPA, PLLC
CAPCO Contractors, Inc. Strong - Hurt Pharmacy
Centerpoint Energy - Entex
Coldwell Banker Home Place SPECIAL THANKS
Alford Investments
Realty City of Henderson Mayor
Capco Contractors and Elected Officials
Cook & Son Roofing
East Texas Professional
Credit Union Rusk County Judges
Rusk County Commissioners
Eastex Telephone and Elected Officials
Cooperative, Inc. Depot Museum Employees
Fairway Ford Henderson City of Henderson Employees
Gabriel/Jordan Chevrolet Cadillac Rusk County Sheriff’s Office
Henderson Animal Care Hospital Rusk County Mounted Patrol
Henderson Federal Savings Bank Rusk Co. Extension Agents
CenterPoint Energy Employees
Henderson Smiles
Howell Recycling Toby & Melanie Tipps
LHauwshOpfufipcpeieosf verabank.comNew name, same great everything else:
Genuine banking for genuine people. Panel Truss Texas, Inc.
4-H Club Members & Parents
James A. Holmes PC Same Local Employees Republic Services
Luminant — Don Reynolds • Don Gage

Same Leadership Danny Deason
—
Same Ownership
—

Same Tailored Products
MTC - Bradshaw State Jail —
Same Excellent Service 877-566-2621 | verabank.com | Member FDIC

MTC East Texas Treatment Facility Stokes & Associates
foWOrsecsgaBreeSantlillul••iRnMicaekrykpRHuoenwnoaerlpldsle.
SUGCAORNCTARINBEUGTORROSWER SYRUP TEAM SPONSORemmTLaeeoiglcOoL———aerrlweaeEddnmaeePrrpRtrssuolhshokdeiiySCppuoeevRurceERvnTtRSiteeeCscysPapnhAeaEnuaSrrilrIdysbreantaksclyuCnsitllacleouelrsirnGrrtDSbcsadaoe-u,CnhitdrrJLtoceveyigToewoiepeDcinpaGeen-iryrnsaogtuigvpe, Inec. lseStW:atiCellhiBFaaalmrarlcmeGksrlIVaaRnennsalGdtudvsriTenaearRnnOnFackiuiellun&r,CoeDioVarni.adeales,nHsIeneobcNlm,.eaIeinnlsce.kning
Jo Bundrick • Bonnie Geddie
Texas Fresh Produce

St. Mathews Episcopal Church
Jonathan Green
Ramona White
Henderson Federal
Savings Bank
— Texas Bank SUGAR CANE SPONSORDoug and Kathi Ford,
Excellent ServUiTceHealth Henderson Arrow8h7e7a-d56Fa6r-m26s2&1 | verabank.com | Member FDIC
Verizon/Victra
Walker Enterprise Chinquapin Gourd Palace Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home

Wallace & Sons Wrecker Service City Of Henderson Tourism Dept.
Waste Connection
Walmart 903-392-0691
West Fraser Wood Products, Inc. Depot Museum 903-657-4303
www.visithendersontx.com • www.depotmuseum.com

TOURISM 2022-2023 | 15

CHRISTMAS IN HENDERSON

You are invited to join the many City
of Henderson Christmas events! We
are honored to kick off the wonderful
holiday season with tradition and fun events
for the entire family.

Beginning with the City of Henderson
Downtown Annual Tree lighting Ceremony,
which sparks off the festivities, held every
year on the first Thursday after Thanksgiving.
To the Christmas Parade, sponsored by the
City of Henderson, where “Santa” makes
his debut and then settles into his little red
house in historic downtown Henderson in
Heritage Square. The children love to visit
and tell him what is on their Christmas list.
With many shopping and dining options to
choose from, Henderson is a great spot to
stop for old fashioned fun!

The City of Henderson, Rusk County,
has many wonderful events throughout the
holiday season for you to enjoy! Visit www.
visithendersontx.com for more information.
We look forward to seeing you.

WILDFLOWER TRAILSuide yourself through
historic Rusk County on

Gthree wildflower trails in

the spring. The trail itineraries
will provide a scenic view of the
beautiful wildflowers, historical
markers, museums, local shopping
and incredible views of Rusk County.
Download the brochure at www.
visithendersontx.com or contact the
Tourism Department at 903-392-
0691.

16 | TOURISM 2022-2023

MT. ENTERPRISE two cotton gins, a school, three churches,
and a population of 150. In 1894 the
The city of Mount Enterprise, located Caro Northern Railway was chartered to
south of Henderson in rural Rusk operate as a logging road between Mount
County, is home to around 450 Enterprise and Caro, in Nacogdoches
people. The city was named for a small County. The railroad, which connected
elevation near the town and for the Mount Enterprise with the Texas and New
business enterprise of the Vinson brothers, Orleans Railroad, came to within a mile of
who settled it in 1832. The town owes its Mount Enterprise and the town then moved
existence to the presence of promising to the railroad. The city is home to multiple
iron ore in the area. The Vinson’s real unincorporated communities and is served
enterprise came from manufacturing and by Mount Enterprise Independent School
retailing wagons, buggies, furniture, plows, District, a rural 2A school that serves
caskets and a patented churn. Lumber approximately 400 students.
was also a large industry in the city. In
1880 the town had three sawmills, a hotel,

Step
Into
Oil eld
History

Located on the Kilgore College Campus

1301 S. Henderson Blvd.
Kilgore, Texas 75662

(903) 983-8295
Kilgore.edu/ETOM
Open Tuesday-Saturday,
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

TOURISM 2022-2023 | 17

NEW LONDON

New London, a small community in Rusk an odor.
County, is home to around 1,000 people The London Museum is dedicated to all
and like most towns in East Texas, is
rich in history. Originally known as “London,” those who died in 1937 and to those who
this city grew as East Texas became crowded survived that fateful day. The museum is
with oilfield workers and their families. housed in the historic McConnico’s Drugstore
However, as the U.S. Post Office had already building that once served the students of the
established a station at London in Kimble London School. Most of the exhibits tell the
County, the town changed its name to “New story of the explosion using items donated by
London” in 1931. The City of New London is the families of victims. The museum features
served by the West Rusk Independent School a variety of artifacts from the London School
District. The city is known for its history and and 1930’s, including letter jackets, the
tragedy of the worst school explosion in flag that flew over the school the day of the
history on March 18, 1937 where 294 people explosion, school furniture and more. The
were killed. As a result of the disaster, Texas museum’s tearoom features an old time soda
passed a law requiring natural gas to have fountain. For more information, call 903-895-
4602 or visit www.newlondonschool.org.

Visit the museum
dedicated to
keeping alive the
memory of the
294 who died on
March 18, 1937 in
the world’s worst
school disaster.

London Museum 1500 Lake Forest Parkway • Henderson, Texas

10690 S. Main St. (St. Hwy. 42) (903) 895-4602 • New London, Tx 903-392-0691
Museum & Soda Fountain: Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
www.visithendersontx.com
Saturdays 10:00 am - 3:00 pm (March - August) [email protected]
Cafe: Mon - Fri 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Tickets $5.00 Adults • Children $3.00 View our videos at
Please call ahead for large groups. www.visithendersontx.com
www.newlondonschool.org

The Cenotaph
commemorates the New
London School Explosion,
displaying in granite all the
names of children, teachers,
staff and visitors who lost
their lives.

18 | TOURISM 2022-2023

GASTON MUSEUM

The Gaston museum, an
educational and historical
museum, is in Joinerville,
approximately 6 miles West
of Henderson. The museum’s
exhibit building gives visitors
a glimpse of Life in the East
Texas oilfield from the 1930s to
60s including memorabilia from
the boom era. Family history
and artifacts of the earliest
rural school in the world in the
1930s, the original Dixie service
station, and an original tent
house complete with an escape
encounter. The museum is
open from 10:00 AM to 4:00
PM Friday and Saturday and by
appointment year-round. For
more information call 903 722-
9016 or visit us at Facebook.
com/Gastonmuseum or our
website gastonmuseum.org

TOURISM 2022-2023 | 19

“We are here, and
we are ready to help.
Always Texas Strong.”

903-834-3161

115 East Henderson Street | Overton
www.texasbankandtrust.com

YOUR
JOURNEY
STARTS
HERE

KILGORE.EDU 903 983 8209

20 | TOURISM 2022-2023

OVERTON

Overton was laid out in 1873 at a site Chamber of Commerce hosts many events
that was to be the junction of two throughout the year, including a fall fest and
railroad lines and was named for Christmas Parade each year.
Frank Overton, an early settler who owned
land in the area and donated some of it for
a town site.

A Baptist church was founded at the
community in 1875, and Hubbard College
was founded in 1876. In 1888 an Overton
newspaper described the town as having “15
or more good businesses, two large hotels,
numerous buildings, a fine chartered school,
excellent society, pure air, good water,”
and “a population of over 500.” Overton
was primarily a farming center until oil was
discovered in the area around 1930.

The success of the East Texas oilfield
led to the prosperity for Overton, bringing
business, churches, schools and banks.
More than 2,500 people now reside
in Overton. The Overton-New London

Downtown Henderson

COME
WORSHIP
WITH US!

207 West Main St. • Henderson, TX

903-657-1646 | www.thefbc.org

READ IT M&M
YOUR WAY!
PAINTING & CARPENTRY
Home Delivery
Painting • Carpentry • Drywall
Henderson News Website
e-Edition Residential and Commercial| | Over 20 Years Experience

903-657-2501 M&M Painting and Carpentry

www.thehendersonnews.com Vickie & Jose Luis Martinez |903.571.0609 | 408 Millville Dr.•Henderson
TOURISM 2022-2023 | 21

REKLAW

Reklaw is a rural community at the If you’re looking to spend some time
junction of U.S. Highway 84 and at the lake then Lake Striker is the place
Texas Highway 204, on the Rusk- to visit. Located in the deep piney woods,
Cherokee County line. The area was first Lake Striker offers great amenities for a
settled during the period of the Republic day, weekend or weeklong getaway. Lodge
of Texas. at the lake with a tent campsite rental, full
RV hook ups, motel rooms or cabin rentals.
Nearby Iron Mountain attracted miners, The marina offers a fishing pier, a boat
prospectors, and settlers in a brief iron rush launch and a swimming area. The marina
in the 1860s and later in 1891. Several area also hosts a variety of outdoor games,
sawmills had been built in the vicinity prior including volleyball and horseshoes and
to the Civil War, but a village did not begin if you’re interested in fishing, you’ll find
to grow up until 1902, when the Texas and largemouth bass, sand bass, catfish and
New Orleans Railroad was built through crappie throughout the year. The Lake
the area, and a town site was laid out on Striker Resort is also home to a restaurant,
land owned by Margaret L. Walker. Local serving some East Texas favorites and a
citizens wanted to name the new town after variety of seafood. The resort also offers
Walker, so when the name was already in many events including local bands and
use in Texas, they spelled it backwards. By fireworks around the Fourth of July. For
1914, Reklaw had two general stores, a more information, call 903-854-2404 or
sawmill, a blacksmith, and a population of visit www.lakestrikerresort.com.
50. The population continued to grow and
now stands at 381 residents.

22 | TOURISM 2022-2023

TATUM

T atum has a longstanding history Wildlife Department by Texas Utilities.
in Rusk County. Located 21 miles Since its public opening in 1976, the park
northeast of Henderson the town is known for its fishing, camping, wildlife
settled in the 1840’s by Albert and Mary observation and photography. The park
C. Tatum. The Tatum family established is a popular campsite and a great place
a plantation, which is now the City of for the whole family. Activities in the park
Tatum. The city produced an abundance include picnicking, canoeing or boating,
of resources that were a successful water skiing, swimming, backpacking,
business enterprise. In 1882, after the hiking and many other programs.
Santa Fe Railroad passed through Tatum
on the way from Longview to Beaumont, During the winter months, the lake is
the place became a boomtown. Hotels home to many fishing tournaments. For
were built, mercantile businesses more information, visit www.tpwd.texas.
thrived and farmers and sawmills could gov.
easily get their goods to the higher
priced markets.

Tatum saw disaster in the early
1900s and World War I and II affected
the community tremendously with many
families not returning to the area after
the war. Oil and gas was later discovered
in the area and Martin Creek Lake was
built in the early 1970s when the Texas
Utilities Company moved to Tatum.
Tatum continues to hold onto its charm
with the spirit of its early settlers.

The town houses more than 1,300
and is home to the Tatum Eagles and a
portion of the town is served by Beckville
Independent School District. The town is
home to unique shops, restaurants and
the Pecan Pie Festival every April.

Martin Creek Lake State Park is
located four miles southeast of Tatum
and was deeded to the Texas Parks and

903-657-5349 Gaston Museum
6562 TX-64, Joinerville, TX 75658 | 903-722-9016
980 N. MARSHALL • HENDERSON, TX Hours 10am-4pm Fri-Sat and by appointment year round.
www.resairconditioning.net
Facebook.com/Gastonmuseum or our website gastonmuseum.org
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TOURISM 2022-2023 | 23