Cherokee County

County Offices
135 South Main Street
Rusk 903-683-2324
http://www.co.cherokee.tx.us/ips/cms/index.html

Chamber of Commerce
903-683-4242
http://www.ruskchamber.com/

Cherokee County is located in central East Texas, bordered on the north by Smith County, on the east by Rusk and Nacogdoches counties, on the south by Angelina County, and on the west by Anderson and Houston counties. It was named for the Cherokee Indians, who lived in the area before being expelled in 1839. Rusk, the county seat, is 130 miles southeast of Dallas and 160 miles north of Houston.

Lifestyle

A forest of shortleaf and loblolly pine with mixed hardwoods covers 57.6 percent of the land. Timber, rich soils, abundant water, oil, natural gas, clays, and iron ore lead the list of natural resources. The hilly terrain ranges from 250 to 570 feet above sea level. The Neches River forms the western boundary of the county and the Angelina River the southeastern boundary. Three major reservoirs lie wholly or partly within the county: Lake Palestine, Striker Creek Reservoir, and Lake Jacksonville. Making water based activities a big part of living in this area. Fishing, boating, hiking and biking in the forests that make up the area are popular activities for residents. Residents of the county also enjoy several local parks and recreation areas. They can choose the adventure of off roading in an ATV park or just a nice round of golf at one of the local courses. Outdoors is the place to be.

For a historical trip residents and visitors enjoy the Texas State Railroad State Historical Park, located in Cherokee and Anderson counties. The railroad operates two antique trains between historic depots in Rusk and Palestine. The trains travel a 25 mile scenic route between the two cities. In addition to many smaller creeks, the tracks cross the Neches River, the boundary between Cherokee and Anderson counties. The parks at either end of the track and the track right-of-way add up to about 517 acres. This popular attraction draws many visitors to the region and is one of the historic highlights of Cherokee County. In addition to the historic sites and outdoor recreational opportunities, residents can enjoy a day of shopping a historic downtown area, while browsing the shops and eateries run by local residents and showcasing classic Texas goods. There are also national retailers in the county and residents never have to look far to get what they need.

Services

The economy of the county is driven by agriculture. The main items that are produced in the county are Nursery plants, dairy, beef cattle, hay, and other crops. The most recognized crop in the county are the tomatoes that the City of Jacksonville are famous for.

Education is an important part of the lifestyle in Cherokee County. Quality educational opportunities are available in and near the county, underlined by excellent public-school districts and options for select private and parochial schools. Several local school districts offer a full spectrum of educational opportunities for local students. There are six independent school districts wholly in the county, while parts of three others extend into the northern part of the county from neighboring counties. For those looking for higher educational opportunities, there are a number of local and online opportunities available from state and regional colleges and universities for students of all ages. In county higher education is represented by two church-related junior colleges, Lon Morris College and Jacksonville College, and by North American Theological Seminary.

Healthcare options abound in the county with UT Health Jacksonville serving the residents healthcare needs. UT Health Jacksonville is a full service facility offering residents every type of care from childbirth through to senior care. UT Health also operates several clinics and testing facilities in the area. In addition, the county is served by Christus Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics in Jacksonville. This 96,000 square-foot facility includes offices for 15 Trinity Clinic physicians, medical specialists, physical therapy services, cardiac rehabilitation, pain center, eye center, and laboratory and diagnostic radiology services.

Communities

Jacksonville
City Offices
903-586-3510
http://www.jacksonvilletx.org/

Chamber of Commerce
903-586-2217
http://www.jacksonvilletexas.com/

Jacksonville is located in an area of rolling hills in East Texas, north of the county seat, Rusk, and south of Tyler, in neighboring Smith County, on U.S. Highway 69. The north-south Highway 69 intersects the east–west U.S. Highway 79 adjacent to the city’s downtown area. Jacksonville has seven City owned Parks, an Athletic Complex, Recreation Center, Rose Garden, and Lake Jacksonville’s Recreational Area & Campgrounds. The City maintains the Lake Jacksonville Recreational area which is located about three miles from downtown Jacksonville and offers 1,325 acres of water and water based activities. Boating and fishing are literally at their doorstep. Residents can also explore the more than 7,000-acres of Neches River National Wildlife Refuge’s wildlife and trails. Or they can enjoy a day of testing their ATV skills at the River Run ATV Park, or enjoy a relaxing day at one of the nearby public golf courses and even take a Serengeti-style safari from your car, or a Zip-Line excursion. Of course, there is always a trip up to Love’s Lookout for the 30 plus mile scenic views.

For those looking to do something a little less strenuous, nothing beats a stroll through the downtown where antique shops, specialty boutiques and gallery shops await. One of those shops is the factory store of Texas Basket Company, the oldest active handmade basket-maker in the world. The city is home to several restaurants and nearby wineries. Historic sites and museums are also a big attraction. The Vanishing Texana Museum houses a collection of local Caddoan-Mississippian artifacts.

Jacksonville is famous for one its main crops, the tomatoes that are grown in the region. And to celebrate this crop, the city hosts an Annual Tomato festival. There are a large number of events that surround Jacksonville’s annual tomato festival, creating an atmosphere of celebration throughout the week. With much of the attractions lining Commerce Street in downtown – leading from the lawn of the iconic Tomato Bowl Stadium. In addition to the tomato fest, residents can enjoy several other annual events including a Rodeo and Stockyard show. And of course, as a small Texas City Jacksonville hosts a very traditional and popular annual Fourth of July celebration complete with fireworks display. While the city is a small, agriculturally based community, residents enjoy an enviable quality of life.

Rusk
City Offices
903-683-2213
https://www.rusktx.org/

Chamber of Commerce
903-683-4242
http://www.ruskchamber.com/

Rusk is the county seat of Cherokee County, it is near the geographic center of the county at the junction of U.S. Highways 69 and 84, State Highway 110, and Farm Roads 241, 343, 752, 768, 1248, 1857, and 2972, 120 miles southeast of Dallas. Rusk is a quiet little town of just over 5,500 residents, nestled within the Piney Woods of East Texas. Rusk was originally laid out on a grid pattern with a courthouse square in the center of town. This traditional design for a community helps to bring everyone together at the town square. This is where residents can be seen gathering for holiday celebrations and other annual events. Rusk remains a commercial center for the surrounding agricultural, lumber, and iron ore businesses. The nearby Texas State Railroad is a famous historical site and attracts visitors to the area. For those residents who are history buffs, the city is known for its 32 historical markers and the historic Cherokee Theater that plays host to shows throughout the year. Rusk is also home to the longest footbridge in the nation, a challenging local golf course, an wildlife park drive-thru safari and the longest zip line in Texas. The historic downtown is home to unique shops and restaurants offering local favorites. Residents of this community are fiercely loyal to their hometown and this can be seen in the civic pride that is evident in the community. The school sports team never have to worry about fans, community events are always well attended and the community is thoughtfully run.