Home of the Texas State Railroad! Rusk was founded in 1846 and is the county seat of Cherokee County. The city of Rusk was named in honor of Thomas J. Rusk, famed early Texas general and statesman. Rusk is located at the intersection of U.S. Highways 84 and 69 in the beautiful pine covered hills of East Texas. Rusk was an important city during the Civil War. Over 100 Texas Historical markers are in the area.

The Texas State Railroad is the longest, narrowest state park in the nation. Adjacent to the Texas State Railroad ark is Rusk State Park. This 100 acre park has picnic sites, playground campsites, RV hookups, bathhouse, a 15 acre lake, and paddle boats. Also, in the area is the Jim Hogg Historical Park. This 177 acre park is dedicated to Governor James Stephen Hogg, first native-born governor of Texas. You will find a replica of Jim Hogg's "mountain home" which serves as a museum.

Be sure to walk on the nation's longest footbridge, which was originally build in the 1800s and is 4 feet wide, 546 feet long. See history come alive at Foodbridge Park on the second weekend of October. The annual Pioneer & Heritage Festival fills the park with mountain men, fur traders, native American Indians, and Civil war soldiers. See demonstrations of early pioneer skills.

Rusk visitors can enjoy our antique shops, nice restaurants, motels, and bed and breakfast inns.