Rusk is a city in East Texas and the county seat of Cherokee County. It sits about 30 miles south of Tyler and 50 miles southeast of Palestine. The city is known for the Texas State Railroad, historic downtown, nearby forests, and its location among the pine-covered hills and rural communities of East Texas.
Location Map of Rusk, Cherokee County, Texas
About Map: The map shows the location of Rusk in Cherokee County, in the U.S. state of Texas.
Rusk Map, Texas
About Rusk Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Rusk in Cherokee County, Texas. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.
Where is Rusk Located?
Rusk is a city located in Cherokee County, Texas, the United States. It lies in East Texas, about 30 miles south of Tyler and roughly 50 miles southeast of Palestine. Jacksonville is around 15 miles northwest, while Nacogdoches is about 45 miles southeast. Rusk is positioned near 31.796° North latitude and 95.151° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 5,182 residents. The city covers about 6.92 square miles, or 17.92 square kilometers. Rusk was founded in 1846 and became the county seat of Cherokee County soon afterward. The community grew as a center for county government, agriculture, timber, and transportation. Rusk's location in the Piney Woods gives the city a landscape of pine forests, rolling hills, creeks, and rural farmland. A unique feature of the city is its connection to the Texas State Railroad, a historic railway that operates excursion trains between Rusk and Palestine. The railroad was originally built in the 19th century to serve the state penitentiary system and later became an important heritage attraction. Nearby attractions include the Texas State Railroad, Jim Hogg State Historical Site, Rusk State Park, and the Neches River. The surrounding forests provide opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, birdwatching, and wildlife observation. US-69 and US-84 provide major road connections to Jacksonville, Tyler, Palestine, Nacogdoches, and other East Texas communities.
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Rusk City Facts
| City | Rusk |
| State | Texas |
| County | Cherokee County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | East Texas and Piney Woods |
| Incorporated | 1850 |
| Founded | 1846 |
| Total Area | 6.92 sq mi (17.92 sq km) |
| Land Area | 6.91 sq mi (17.89 sq km) |
| Water Area | 0.01 sq mi (0.03 sq km) |
| Elevation | 500 ft (152 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | About 5,100 |
| Population (2020 Census) | 5,182 |
| Population Density | 750 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Central Time (CST/CDT) |
| ZIP Codes | 75785 |
| Area Code | 430 and 903 |
| Major Highways | US-69, US-84, and TX-110 |
| Public Transit | East Texas Council of Governments transportation services |
| Major Attractions | Texas State Railroad, Jim Hogg State Historical Site, Rusk State Park, and historic downtown Rusk |
| Official Website | https://www.rusktx.org/ |
Distance from Rusk, TX to Nearby Cities
- Jacksonville, TX – 15 miles (24 km)
- Alto, TX – 20 miles (32 km)
- Palestine, TX – 30 miles (48 km)
- Tyler, TX – 30 miles (48 km)
- Henderson, TX – 35 miles (56 km)
- Nacogdoches, TX – 45 miles (72 km)
- Crockett, TX – 45 miles (72 km)
- Longview, TX – 55 miles (89 km)
- Lufkin, TX – 55 miles (89 km)
- Athens, TX – 55 miles (89 km)
- Marshall, TX – 75 miles (121 km)
- Palestine, TX – 30 miles (48 km)
- Waco, TX – 100 miles (161 km)
- Dallas, TX – 120 miles (193 km)
- Shreveport, LA – 115 miles (185 km)
- Bryan, TX – 110 miles (177 km)
- College Station, TX – 115 miles (185 km)
- Houston, TX – 150 miles (241 km)
Top Attractions in Rusk
- Texas State Railroad – A historic railroad offering scenic excursion train rides between Rusk and Palestine through the forests of East Texas.
- Rusk State Park – A small wooded state park near the city offering camping, hiking, fishing, and access to the Texas State Railroad.
- Jim Hogg State Historical Site – A historic site near Rusk preserving the home and family history of James Stephen Hogg, Texas's first native-born governor.
- Rusk Historic Downtown – The downtown area features historic commercial buildings, local businesses, restaurants, and civic landmarks.
- Cherokee County Courthouse – A historic civic landmark in downtown Rusk serving as the center of county government.
- Neches River – The river and surrounding forests provide opportunities for fishing, paddling, wildlife observation, and scenic recreation.
- Mission Tejas State Park – A historic park farther south featuring early Texas history, wooded trails, camping, fishing, and the El Camino Real corridor.
- Davy Crockett National Forest – A large forested public area nearby with hiking trails, lakes, camping, fishing, and wildlife habitat.
- Texas Forest Trail – A regional heritage route highlighting the history, natural landscapes, towns, and attractions of East Texas.
Airports Near Rusk, TX
- Tyler Pounds Regional Airport (TYR) – 45 miles
- East Texas Regional Airport (GGG) – 65 miles
- A. L. Mangham Jr. Regional Airport (OCH) – 55 miles
- Palestine Municipal Airport (PSN) – 35 miles
- Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV) – 120 miles
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Rusk city website and local government records.
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