Nacogdoches, Texas Travel Guide

Region: East Texas Piney Woods

Historic Nacogdoches postcard Courtesy Texas Postcards and the TXGenWeb Project

Nacogdoches [local pronunciation], the oldest town in Texas, began as a Native American settlement. In 1867, French explorer Robert de La Salle visited, and later, in the 1700s, a Spanish mission was established. The town grew up along El Camino Real, or the Old San Antonio Road, a highway that dates back to 1691.

Legend has it that this east Texas community was named for the son of a Caddo family who lived on the Sabine River. The young man was sent to walk three days toward the setting sun; his twin brother was instructed to walk three days toward the rising sun. And their new homes? Each was named for the twin who settled there: Nacogdoches to the west and Natchitoches, to the east in Louisiana. The brothers each settled in their new-found region but frequently visited each other along a route that legend says became the eastern end of the Camino Real.

Attractions

Millard's Crossing. These 19th century structures have been restored and filled with period furnishings. Open for guided tours. Located at 6020 North Street.

Old University Building. Built in 1858, this modified Grecian structure was once a university. Today it houses antiques and period artifacts. Located in Washington Square at the intersection of Mound Street and Hughes Street.

Sterne-Hoya Home. Adolphus Sterne, an early resident who was active in the founding of the Republic of Texas, built this home in 1828. Today it's open to the public for guided tours. Located at 211 S. Lanana St.

Stone Fort Museum. The fort, built in 1779 by the Spanish as a trading post, later became the headquarters for early attemps to form the Republic of Texas. Today it is on the campus of the Stephen F. Austin State University. Changing exhibits focus on Texas history, art, and culture. Located at Clark and Griffith Boulevards.

Festivals

June: Heritage Festival. This week-long festival includes tours of homes, arts and crafts and a charity ball.

June: Texas Blueberry Festival.The blueberry is honored via blueberry cookoffs and a lot more.

September: Piney Woodstock. Musicians from throughout East Texas perform at the County Expo Center.

November-December: Nine Flags Festival.

Hotels

Booking Nacogdoches Hotels

Fredonia. Built in the 1950s, this six-story, full-service hotel is one block from historic downtown Nacogdoches. It has a redbrick and iron exterior with New Orleans-style furnishings. Includes a restaurant. Located at 200 N. Fredonia St.

Stepan Inn. Built in 1900, thoda this B&B is located in historical Washington Sqaure. Though customers tend to be couples looking for an escape, children are welcome. Rooms are decorated in an eclectic style with both modern furnishings and antiques. Located at 418 North Mound Street.

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For More Information

Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce
2516 North St
Nacogdoches, TX 75965
(936) 560-5533