Rusk County vs. Brooks County
Brick Streets & Sweet Cream
This match-up brings together the historic charm of East Texas and the dairy heritage of the South Texas borderlands. Rusk County, centered on Henderson, is a land of timber, oil, and beautifully preserved downtowns. Brooks County, home to Falfurrias, is famous for its butter, its checkpoints, and its ranching legacy. One is defined by red brick and pine; the other by brush and cream.
Rusk County (Population Approx. 53,000)
Rusk County is a classic East Texas community. Henderson features one of the most picturesque historic downtowns in the state, filled with antique shops and history. The economy is a mix of lumber, lignite mining, and oil/gas. The vibe is traditional, friendly, and proud of its heritage. Challenges include economic diversification and maintaining rural infrastructure.
Brooks County (Population Approx. 7,000)
Brooks County is synonymous with Falfurrias Butter. The town of Falfurrias serves as the hub for a region dominated by ranching and dairy. However, it is also on the front lines of the border crisis, dealing with the humanitarian and logistical impacts of the Border Patrol checkpoint. The community is resilient, facing the dual challenges of economic struggle and border dynamics with grit and grace.
Why It Matters
Rusk County preserves the small-town Texas aesthetic that attracts visitors. Brooks County provides a staple of the Texas breakfast table while managing a complex federal issue. Both counties need support—one for historic preservation, the other for border infrastructure and humanitarian aid.
Why Forward
Forward believes that the antique dealer in Henderson and the dairy worker in Falfurrias deserve a government that solves problems.
In Rusk County, the community values stability. Open Primaries would allow voters to focus on local issues like schools and roads, rather than national culture wars. Ranked Choice Voting would encourage leaders to build consensus on economic development.
In Brooks County, the burden is heavy. Ranked Choice Voting ensures that the voices of the border region are heard clearly in Austin. It empowers the community to elect leaders who will fight for resources to manage the checkpoint impact and support the local economy, beyond just partisan talking points.
Did You Know…
Falfurrias (Brooks) is the home of Falfurrias Butter, a Texas staple since 1909.
Henderson (Rusk) was named a National Main Street City and is famous for its historic district.
The Daisy Bradford #3 well in Rusk County was the discovery well for the massive East Texas Oil Field in 1930.
The Texas Rangers (law enforcement) have a deep history in Brooks County, patrolling the brush country.
The Depot Museum in Henderson preserves the history of the East Texas timber and rail industries.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Rusk residents love the syrup festival, the quiet pine forests, and the sense of living in a living history book. Brooks locals love the pride of their dairy heritage, the deep family roots in the ranch lands, and the legendary King Ranch neighbors.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
Heritage Syrup Festival (Henderson/Rusk): A November tradition celebrating the art of ribbon cane syrup making.
Fiesta Ranchera (Brooks): Celebrating the cowboy culture and heritage of Falfurrias.
East Texas Antique Tractor Show (Rusk): Bringing the community together to honor agricultural history.
Brooks County Fair: A gathering of families for livestock and fun.
People & Tech Created This
The profiles and shared challenges were gathered from Texas Forward Party supporters and written using ChatGPT and Gemini models to combine verified public data, official county/state sources, and general knowledge from Texas historical and government records:
