The Best Spots To See In Historical Nacogdoches Texas
We visited Nacogdoches, one of Texas’s most historic towns, recently to tour Stephen F. Austin State University where Amory is considering attending college. Nacogdoches is a small city and I think the perfect place for her to pursue an agricultural education degree but we will see what she decides! When we visit Nacogdoches our favorite things to do is visit a historic site (as many as we can fit in!) and walk through the shops in historic downtown Nacogdoches. I want to share with all of you the best spots to see in historical Nacogdoches Texas.
The city of Nacogdoches is considered to be the oldest town in Texas and one of the United States’ most historic towns. It was founded in 1779 by Don Antonio Gil Y’Barbo. This small town in East Texas began with the Caddo Indians, early settlers of the area before the Spanish took control. The Spanish lost Texas and Mexico to Mexico during the Mexican Revolution. Relationships between Mexico and Texas soon began to disintegrate. The first clash between the Mexican people and government and the Texans occurred on August 2, 1832 with the Battle of Nacogdoches. The Texas Revolution started in October of 1835. It would last until April 21, 1836. Texas first became a republic in 1836 and then joined the United States as the 28th state in 1845.
The Best Spot To Start First – Charles Bright Town Center
The historic town center is the best place to start exploring Nacogdoches. The Nacogdoches Convention & Visitors Bureau operates the Charles Bright Visitor Center that is filled with displays of local history. Make sure you take the elevator to the lower level to see even more and watch a short film on the rich heritage of Nacogdoches.
Historic Homes Are The Best Spots To See The History of Families Living In Nacogdoches Texas
Durst-Taylor Historic House
The Durst Taylor House was built around 1835 and is the second oldest building in Nacogdoches on its original site.The historic buildings on the property include a smokehouse, blacksmith shop, a sugarcane mill and a chicken coop. There is also an heirloom garden where they hold garden events from March to May. A museum exhibit is housed in the barn to walk through and learn about the families that have lived there.
Sterne-Hoya Museum
The Sterne-Hoya House Museum and Library was built in 1830. The dogtrot style house was built by merchant and Texas Revolution leader, Adolphus Sterne. The Sterne family lived in the home until 1869 when it was sold to the von der Hoya family. It was the private home of the von der Hoya family until it was given to the City of Nacogdoches in 1958, to be used as a library.
The grounds of the Sterne Hoya home had the original rock chimney of the old outdoor kitchen, the well, and a carriage house. The carriage house was not only for the family’s conveyances but served as Sterne’s office and where the boys of the family after reaching 13 would sleep.
The most interesting part of the tour was the wine cellar built in the basement of the home. First because it is unusual to find a basement in Texas but also that it was dedicated to wine first and the family’s food they had canned second.
Millard’s Crossing Historic Village
A great place to see many styles of 19th century homes is at Millard’s Crossing. You will see everything from a log cabin to a primitive church (I have a thing for old churches!). United States Congresswoman Lera Millard Thomas led the restoration of the structures that were moved from their original sites to Millard’s Crossing. She created the village to preserve and display the early buildings, period antiques, tools and historical artifacts that are part of Texas’ past.
It is open Monday – so you can plan this one when all the other places are closed!
The Best Spots To See Why Nacogdoches Texas Is The Garden Capital of Texas
A bill authored by District 11 State Representative Travis Clardy was signed by Texas Governor Rick Perry on May 2, 2013 designating Nacogdoches as the Garden Capital of Texas. As part of the Angelina National Forest and home to Texas’ largest azalea garden this designation was well deserved.
Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden
Texas’ largest azalea garden is situated in a 50-year old Loblolly Pine forest. The 8-acre garden features azaleas, camellias, varieties of rhododendrons and Japanese Maple. The best time to see the plants in full bloom is from March through April.
Our Favorite
Trips
SFA Mast Arboretum
This is the first arboretum at a university in Texas! And because we are in Texas everything is just bigger ;). This on-campus garden spills over 10 acres of land. Walk along the Lanana Creek Trail and see more than 7,500 species of plants and a variety of unique display gardens.
The Best Spots To Visit To Learn The History of Nacogdoches Texas
Stone Fort Museum
Antonio Gil Y’Barbo built a grand Spanish Colonial house between 1788 and 1791 in Nacogdoches on the Camino Real. It served as a trading post, private home, church, jail, and saloon – but never a fort. It withstood four revolutionary actions, acquiring its nickname the “Old Stone Fort” along the way.
The Texas Centennial Commision built a replica of the “Old Stone Fort” in 1936 on the grounds of Stephen F. Austin State University. We can thank the efforts of the Cum Concilio Club, a women’s literary group founded in 1894 for the rebuild. Because of that rebuild many generations have been able to learn the history of Nacogdoches.
In the museum you will learn early East Texas history with exhibits about the people, places, things made or used, and challenges faced!
Old Nacogdoches University Building
Nacogdoches University was founded by the Republic of Texas on February 3, 1845. The University was originally housed in the “ Red House“ for the first school session beginning September 1, 1845. In 1858 -1859, the University moved into its new two-story building which closely resembled the buildings of the University of Virginia.
The museum displays exhibits on 19th century education and artifacts of a Confederate hospital.
Caddo Mounds State Historic Site
Take a short drive to Alto, Texas to visit the Caddo Mounds. One of the best things about visiting this historic site was the beautiful drive through a few nearby cities, well actually small towns. The small farms, big ranches, and wide open vistas were so peaceful.
The walking trails at the historic site took us on a learning experience of the Caddo people. We were able to visit a Caddo grass house, a temple mound, a burial mound as well as other sites. It was truly awe inspiring to learn how the people lived and how advanced they were.
Oak Grove Cemetery
This cemetery is the oldest in Nacogdoches and is filled with historical figures important both to Nacogdoches and the State of Texas. The earliest marked burial on this site is that of Franklin J. Starr (d. 1837). Perhaps the most famous person buried here is Thomas Jefferson Rusk. He was a judge, statesman and the first Secretary of War for the Republic of Texas under Sam Houston.
We visited Nacogdoches during the Living History of Oak Grove Cemetery Tour. This event is just one of the annual events that the historic society of Nacogdoches plans. It was so very interesting to hear the specially dressed living exhibits tell their stories. It is open year-round to visit yourself, just please be respectful of the surroundings.
The Best Spots To Shop in Nacogdoches Texas
The historic downtown district is an adorable main street (you know I love a cute downtown!) filled with antiques, boutiques, restaurants and coffee shops. You will have a good time walking the brick streets for hours to visit all of the shops. Make sure to wear those walking shoes.
We especially loved the Fortney House.
It has fourteen rooms of weird and beautiful, heehee!
Plus there is an entire outdoors area of unique yard art. It is located in an 1897 Victorian home in the Nacogdoches historic district.
The Best Spots To See In Historical Nacogdoches Texas Is Perfect For Everyone
Nacogdoches is perfectly perfect for the history buff, the shopping enthusiast, and the outdoorsy type. Take one of the local tours, visit the shops and smell the azaleas in this small town that is a perfect get away for everyone.
Before You Fly Away To Visit The Best Spots To See In Historical Nacogdoches Texas
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