[2] The county is named for Thomas Jefferson Rusk, a secretary of war of the Republic of Texas.

Prior to Texas' annexation in 1845, the land while from time to time occupied by Caddoan peoples, was generally unpopulated until 1819, when Cherokee Indians, led by The Bowl settled in what is now Rusk County.

[3] The Treaty of Bowles Village on February 23, 1836, between the Republic of Texas and the Cherokee and 12 affiliated tribes, gave parts of western Rusk County along with parts of today's Gregg and Van Zandt Counties, in addition to the whole areas of Cherokee and Smith Counties to the tribes.

This established the Mount Tabor Indian Community,[5] some six miles south of present-day Kilgore that later spread to incorporate areas near Troup, Arp and Overton, Texas.

The city of Henderson at that time opted to allow selling and serving beer and wine.

About 24.20% of all households was made up of individuals, and 12.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

[18] Rusk County is represented by Bryan Hughes, a Republican from Mineola, Texas, in the Texas State Senator for Senate District 1, which includes Rusk County.

Joanne Shofner, a Republican, is the Texas State Representative for House District 11, which includes Rusk County.