Cherokee

Cherokee County

Updated on: November 16, 2021
Coordinates
31° 50' 24" N, 95° 10' 12" W (31.84, -95.17)
State
Texas
Region
Central East
County Seat:
Rusk
Year Organized:
1846
Total Square Miles:
1062.192
1,053 square miles (2,730 km2) land
9.3 square miles (24 km2) water
Population:
52240 (2017)
Population: 51,668 Est. (2016) 50,845 (2010)
Persons/Square Mile:
49
Cherokee County Website
http://www.co.cherokee.tx.us/

Contiguous Counties

Smith (N)
Rusk (NE, E)
Nacogdoches (E, SE)
Angelina (SE)
Houston (SW)
Anderson (W)
Henderson (NW)

County structure

Government Type:
County
Authority:
Dillon's Rule
Legislative Body:
Commisioners Court
Size of Legislative Body:
5

Demographics

2018 Population:
52240
25 to 64 Years of Age:
47.68%
65 Years of Age and Older:
17.55%

Economy, 2018

Gross Domestic Product (GDP):
$1.5 B
Labor Force:
20,979
Unemployment Rate:
4.10%

County Contact

135 S Main St
County Courthouse
Rusk, TX, 75785-1351

http://www.co.cherokee.tx.us

Cherokee County is in East Texas. The county seat is Rusk, founded in 1841 by the Cherokee Indians who were forced to leave their homelands on the east coast of North America.  

They settled here because they had heard that there were plenty of lands for them to farm. Cherokee turned out to be one of the best places for farming in all of Texas.  

A Brief History of Cherokee County 

Cherokee county was founded in 1846. Its first courthouse was built in 1850 but burned down two years later. A new building replaced it in 1854. This structure still stands today as an example of early 19th-century architecture. 

The population of Cherokee county has flourished since its founding. By 1900, the population stood at about 2,000 people. Today it exceeds 50,000. 

Why Cherokee Is a County to Admire 

The county is a major economic center and home to many businesses, including banks, insurance companies, oil refineries, manufacturing plants, hospitals, schools, colleges, universities, and churches. 

The county’s economy also includes agriculture. The major crops grown in the county include cotton, corn, sorghum, wheat, soybeans, peanuts, and hay. Also, cattle, sheep, horses, hogs, poultry, and milk products are available. 

Similarly, timber, pecans, citrus fruits, grapes, honey, wool, mohair, flaxseed, and tobacco are some crops in this county. 

Apart from the extensive agriculture, the people of Cherokee are super friendly and helpful. It is not uncommon to see someone helping another person with their car problems.  

People will help you find your way if you get lost. And when you need something done around the house, no matter how small, everyone pitches in. 

Recreation and Other Activities 

There are several parks within the county. Lake Texoma State Park is near Lake Texoma, and is one of the most popular ones. This park offers camping facilities, fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking trails.  

There are picnicking areas, playgrounds, picnic shelters, boat ramps, marinas, museums, and golf courses. It is an excellent place to unwind after a long day of work or school. 

Another tourist attraction is the Rush City Museum. The museum features exhibits related to local history and culture. Besides, there are antique cars, tractors, tools, household items, and other exciting things. 

You will also access the Mission Tejas State Park. This state park is along the Trinity River. You can enjoy canoeing, bird watching, kayaking, nature walks, mountain biking, rock climbing, and more. 

Finally, the Grapeland Drive-Thru Safari is another thing that makes the county interesting. Here visitors can drive through a replica of the Wild West town. Visitors can buy souvenirs such as cowboy hats, boots, guns, knives, jewelry, and food. 

Is Cherokee a Perfect Place to Live? 

The answer to this goes back to safety. Cherokee has a sheriff’s office that ensures public safety. If there is any crime committed, then law enforcement officers will be notified immediately. In addition, the city police department provides security for citizens who live here. 

The county supports four high schools, one junior college, and three elementary schools. All these institutions provide quality educational services to students. 

The county has five health centers that offer medical care to residents as far as healthcare is concerned. 

Plenty of shopping malls exist in the area. Some of them include Westlake Village Shopping Center, another mall in Westlake Village, TX. It opened its doors in 1985. Currently, it contains about 100 shops and eateries. 

All the factors make the region an excellent place to live. The best part is that all these amenities come at an affordable price. So whether you want to move into a new home or rent an apartment, you have plenty of options. 

If you’re looking for a great place to call home, consider moving to Cherokee County! 

Cherokee County Offices 

Most of the county offices are in Rushville. However, some of them are scattered throughout the entire county. They include: 

The county judge’s office is the big office with Judge Chris Davis controlling it. You can reach them at 903-683-2324. You can also email at [email protected]. 

The courthouse is where most cases involving criminal matters take place. Other than that, the building houses administrative offices.  

The county clerk’s office handles civil issues like divorce proceedings, probate, adoptions, guardianships, etc. you can call them at 903-683-2350 

The tax assessor/collector’s office collects taxes on behalf of the government. It is under the leadership of Shonda McCutcheon Potter. For more information, call 903-683-5478. 

The county treasurer’s office is under Erin Curtis. The office manages money collected from property taxes. You can contact her at 903-683-4935. 

The district attorney’s office represents the interests of the people when they face legal charges. Contact their number at 903-683-2573. 

Other offices include the sheriff’s office, auditor’s, and constable’s office. You can use this link if you want anything from the offices. 

Cities and Towns in Cherokee County 

The cities include Rusk, Cuney, Gallatin, Alto, Jacksonville, and Maydelle. Others are New Summerfield, Reklaw, and Well. These cities have everything you need, including shopping centers, restaurants, theaters, golf courses, and sports facilities. 

You may also find out what other communities are within the county by using the interactive map. The communities are well coordinated to ensure the area remains secure for everyone living there. 

Access to Information 

All public records about Cherokee County are available online through the website of the county courthouse. This includes birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, divorces, wills, deeds, land titles, real estate transactions, and business filings. Others are vehicle registrations, liens, judgments, arrest warrants, traffic tickets, and citations. 

For those who prefer paper copies, you can get them from any local library branch. Better still, the county website has many useful links that will help you access your data faster. 

Conclusion 

Finally, Cherokee county is one of the safest places to live because of its proximity to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. If you love adventure, then you’ll enjoy exploring the many outdoor activities offered here.  

There is so much to do around town. From hiking trails to fishing spots, you won’t be bored even after a long day. 

So why not visit Cherokee?