An Ultra High Definition 4K Driving Tour of Nacogdoches, Texas.
Nacogdoches is known as the oldest town in Texas because it was the first official town incorporated in Texas. Nacogdoches is the county seat of Nacogdoches County. The town has a population of about 33,000 people and is the home of Stephen F. Austin University.
Nacogdoches is 142 miles from Houston, 163 miles from Dallas, 227 miles from Austin, and 98 miles from Shreveport, Louisiana. It is located in East Texas. This area is part of the Piney Woods Forest and in Texas is often referred to as the Big Thicket.
History of Nacogdoches, Texas
Nacogdoches got its name from the Nacogdoches Indians, who were a subset of the Caddo Tribe. Current day Nacogdoches is believed to be built above or near the Caddo settlement called Nevantin. The first settlements in the area were from around 10,000 BCE, with pottery use starting around 2,000 BCE.
In 1776 the Spanish mission Misíon Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe was established in Nacogdoches. The French were also in the area until they left at the end of the French and Indian war in the 1760’s. After the end of the war Spain abandoned the mission and forcibly required the settlers to move to San Antonio.
In 1779 a group of settlers led by Antonio Gil Y’Baro returned to Nacogdoches and created town that was officially recognized by Spain. Roads established at this time, including El Camino Real, still exist and have been turned into modern highways.
In the 1820s settlers came to the area from the United States. Many of them spoke English, and the first English language newspaper was established. After the Battle of Nacogdoches in 1832 the Mexican military was expelled from the area. Sam Houston was one of the settlers that lived in the area until the time of the Texas Revolution in 1836.
Nacogdoches was the site of the first producing oil well in Texas in 1859.
What to do in Nacogdoches
Stone Fort Museum
1808 Alumni Drive North, Griffith Boulevard, Nacogdoches, TX 75961
Located on the campus of Stephen F. Austin University, the Stone Fort Museum is a replica of the building that Y’Baro built in the area in 1779. The original was torn down in 1902, and was one of the oldest standing stone structures in Texas at the time of its demolition. The original stones were used in building this replica. The building is open to the public during specific hours as a museum.
Millards Crossing Historic Village
6020 North St, Nacogdoches, TX 75965
A collection of relocated historic homes. The buildings are from the 19th century and include structures such as a schoolhouse and a church. It is also an interactive learning and educational opportunity. Adult admission tickets are $10.
Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden
2404-2498 N University Dr, Nacogdoches, TX 75965
An 11 acre garden with walking trails. There are azaleas and many other types of plants.
Nacogdoches Sterne-Hoya Museum
211 S. Lanana St., Nacogdoches, TX 75961
An 1830 dogtrot house that was owned by the Sterne family and later the Hoya family. It contains furniture and family heirlooms. The building also houses a library of Texas history. Tours are free with donations encouraged. Closed Sundays, Mondays, and Holidays.
Lanana Creek Trail
805 E Main St, Nacogdoches, TX 75961
A popular running or walking trail that is well maintained. It is about 3.5 miles long. Some portions of the trail are ADA accessible.