The Old Stone Fort

Historic Nacogdoches was established originally as a European settlement in July, 1716, when Fray Antonio Margil de Jesus founded the Mission Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe de Nacogdoches at the site of a large Indian settlement. The name "Nacogdoches" was taken from that of the local group of Caddo Indians. During the next half century a few missionaries, soldiers and settlers almost always were in the vicinity as at least symbols of Spanish occupation. With the French cession of Louisiana to Spain in 1763, the necessity for the Spanish presence in Nacogdoches ceased, and the settlement was ordered abandoned in 1773, to be refounded by Captain Antonio Gil Y'Barbo and others who had previously lived in the area in 1779. The next year the Spanish authorities officially recognized the settlement.

From its frontier origin, Nacogdoches has grown into a modern, pleasant community with its past indicated by the numerous historic markers on its streets and by some remaining landmarks. The Old Stone Fort (since 1779) is now a museum on the campus of Stephen F. Austin State University, having been rebuilt during the Texas Centennial Celebration. The Adolphus Sterne home, built about 1835 near La Nana Creek by the early Texas financier, has been carefully restored to near original condition. Numerous other historic structures can be found in and around the city.

Our city is home to many interesting historical locations as well as beautiful parks. Visit the Nacogdoches web site for more information.

Recommended places of interest include the Old Stone Fort, Sterne-Hoya House, SFA Arboretum, Oak Grove Cemetery and Millard’s Crossing. Suggested picnic lunch locations are Pecan Acres Park, Pioneer Park and the Community-Built Playground.

Please call the Nacogdoches Parks and Recreation Office at 936-559-2960 to reserve park pavilions.

Recommended places of interest include the Old Stone Fort, Sterne-Hoya House, SFA Arboretum, Oak Grove Cemetery and Millard’s Crossing. Suggested picnic lunch locations are Pecan Acres Park, Pioneer Park and the Community-Built Playground.

Please call the Nacogdoches Parks and Recreation Office at 936-559-2960 to reserve park pavilions.

Sterne-Hoya House	Millard's Crossing