Historical Marker
General Thomas J. Rusk
Nacogdoches, Nacogdoches County · Texas
Erected 1894
Thomas J. Rusk took part in the East Texas campaign against the Cherokees. The 1836 treaty that would have given the Cherokees land between the Angelina and Sabine rivers was never ratified. Rusk supported President Lamar's decision to remove them and commanded part of the troops at the Battle of the Neches in July 1839. The Cherokees were driven out of Texas. His wife Polly died of tuberculosis, and he died by suicide on July 29, 1857, despondent and suffering from a tumor.
What the plaque says
General Thomas J. Rusk "[W side] Patriot Soldier [Seal of the State of Texas] Statesman Jurist RUSK [N & S sides blank] [E side] Erected by the state of TEXAS To the memory of GENERAL THOMAS J. RUSK Who fought for her liberty at San Jacinto Born in South Carolina Dec 5, 1808. Died at Nacogdoches, Texas July 29, 1857 He lived for Texas"
Where it stands
31.60267, -94.64996 · Directions
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