History of Gourd Neck: A Rural Community in Rusk County


By: Laurie E. Jasinski

Published: November 18, 2004

Gourd Neck, also spelled Gourdneck, was a rural community located seven miles southwest of the present town of Minden in south central Rusk County. The settlement began in the 1840s and planter Julien Sidney Devereux, owner of the nearby Monte Verdi Plantation, was most likely one of the founders. A Councellor Henderson taught the first school in Gourd Neck in 1848. On June 22, 1880, a post office opened in the community, and H. Perkins and then Frank Galloway served as postmaster. The post office closed in 1881, however. In the twentieth century no maps depicted Gourd Neck.

TSHA is a proud affiliate of University of Texas at Austin
Rusk County History (Henderson: Rusk County Historical Commission, 1982). Dorman H. Winfrey, Julien Sidney Devereux and His Monte Verdi Plantation (Waco: Texian Press, 1962).

Places:

The following, adapted from the Chicago Manual of Style, 15th edition, is the preferred citation for this entry.

Laurie E. Jasinski, “Gourd Neck, TX (Rusk County),” Handbook of Texas Online, accessed March 09, 2026, https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/gourd-neck-tx-rusk-county.

Published by the Texas State Historical Association.

TID: HVG89

November 18, 2004

Find out more about this place from our Texas Almanac.

Place
Gourdneck
Currently Exists
No
Place Type
Town
Town Fields
  • Has post office: No
  • Is Incorporated: No
Belongs to
  • Rusk County
Associated Names

Anadarco 2

Claim Your Piece of Texas History! Adopt a town, county, college, or lake and leave your mark on Texas, where people from all over will see it.

Become a part of Texas history by adopting a town, county, or lake through The Great Texas Land Rush! Whether you're honoring a loved one, celebrating a special event, or simply sharing your personal message, this unique opportunity allows you to leave your mark on the Lone Star State. Choose the location that speaks to you, customize your message, and showcase your support for Texas. Each adoption comes with a frameable certificate, so you can proudly display your connection to this great state. Adopt your piece of Texas today and help preserve its rich heritage!