Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin in 1792, creating a machine that revolutionized the cotton industry. Rusk County grew during 1830-1860 because of areas rich in agriculture, and cotton became central to the county's economy. Most early settlers came from southern states and brought their agricultural system and slaves with them to Texas. During the Civil War, cotton farming remained strong because of tenant farming, railroad construction, and better farming equipment. In 1870, U.S. agricultural schedules showed Rusk County ranked fourth in the state in cotton production, and by 1900 the county had 57 cotton gins. Cotton farming declined after the discovery of oil in 1930. The Mt. Enterprise Gin was established in 1935 and operated until World War II; it was a Continental Gin Company Munger Model Gin powered by a 70 hp Anderson oil-burning engine.