In
Cherokee County, Alto is located south of
Tyler on US 69 and west of
Nacogdoches on Hwy 21, near the
Davy Crockett National Forest.
A local post office opened in 1850 under the name Branchtown. In 1852 the town was re-named Alto (high), to reflect its location at the highest point between the Angelina and Neches rivers.
In 1990 Alto had 1,252 residents and twenty-seven businesses. Cattle ranching, oil and gas, and lumber are its chief industries.
