"Founded as the county seat for the newly created county of Rusk in 1843, Henderson was named for Republic of Texas pioneer and statesman James Pinckney Henderson, who would later become the first Governor of the State of Texas. Land for the town was donated by W. B. Ochiltree, who stipulated that it be named for his friend Henderson, and by Republic of Texas General James Smith, who is known as the "Father of Henderson." Town lots were sold soon after the city was established, with land set aside for both churches and schools. A wooden courthouse was built in the center of town in 1849, and the town grew steadily as homes and businesses were constructed. A disastrous fire destroyed much of the central business district in 1860. Following the Civil War and the arrival of the railroads in this area in the 1870s, a large number of brick structures were built in the downtown area. The discovery of the vast East Texas oil field in 1930 caused an economic boom in Henderson. The population increased from 2,000 to 10,000 within a matter of months. The town continues to serve as a center of commerce and civic activities. " (Texas State Historical Marker Number: 11003 at SH 13 and US 79B )

The First National Bank of Henderson (Charter #6176) The First National Bank of Henderson was chartered March 27, 1902, and lasted for the remainder of the national bank period. It issued $1,172,770 in 1902 Red Seals, 1902 Date Backs, 1902 Plain Backs, and 1929 $5 notes, Types 1 & 2. The Kelly census reports 6 large and 9 small notes outstanding.

The Farmers and Merchants National Bank of Henderson (Charter #6780) The Farmers and Merchants National Bank of Henderson was Chartered May 8, 1903 and, because of Incompetent Management, went into receivership February 24, 1930.

It printed a total of $931,590: 1902 Red Seals, 1902 Date Backs & Plain Backs, and Type 1 1929 notes in $10's & $20's. The Kelly census cites 15 large and 1 small from this bank.

Citizens National Bank of Henderson (Charter #13443) Citizens National Bank of Henderson was chartered on March 26, 1930, a month and two days after The Farmers and Merchants National Bank of Henderson was liquidated. "... the Citizens NB of Henderson effectively replaced the old Farmers & Merchants NB of Henderson that was placed in receivership just a month earlier." At least one bank officer moved from The Farmers and Merchants National Bank to the Citizens National Bank, which produced $390,500 in notes in $5's, $10's & $20's, both Types 1 & 2. The Kelly census lists 27 small notes plus 4 uncut sheets.