Becoming the Oldest Town in Texas

Nacogdoches, Texas, is the oldest town in Texas, with a 300-year history that includes the Mission Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe de los Nacogdoches, the Battle of Fredonia, and the Marx Brothers' comedy careers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 260 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2020
Publisher: Stephen F. Austin State University Press

Becoming the Oldest Town in Texas: A Journey Through 300 Years of History

Nacogdoches, Texas, has a rich and storied history that dates back to 1716 when the Mission Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe de los Nacogdoches was established as a Catholic mission to serve the local Caddo tribe. Father Antonio Margil de Jesus took charge of the new village, along with its wooden church and dwellings for the missionaries. This marked the beginning of Nacogdoches' story as an important stopping point for settlers heading west and as a thoroughfare for Texas revolutionaries who would defend the Alamo.

The Caddos built burial mounds here, and the French and Spanish vied for control of the region. Nacogdoches is the site of the Battle of Fredonia, but it is also the launching point of the comedy careers of the Marx Brothers, who revived Fredonia in one of their early movies. Indeed, the city and its surrounding area are rich with history and stories, and Scott Sosebee's book celebrates Nacogdoches' ongoing legacy.

The town's early history was marked by conflict and struggle, as the Caddo tribe fought to maintain their land and way of life. However, the town's location on the banks of the Neches River made it a valuable trading post, and it soon became a hub for commerce and culture.

In the 1800s, Nacogdoches became a center of education, with the establishment of the first public school in Texas. The town's population grew rapidly, and it became a major center of agriculture and industry.

Today, Nacogdoches is a vibrant and thriving city with a population of over 30,000. It is home to several historic landmarks, including the Old Stone Fort, the Fredonia Hotel, and the Nacogdoches Railroad and Depot Museum. The city is also known for its annual Christmas Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors from around the world.

Despite its growth and development, Nacogdoches has remained true to its roots. The town's historic downtown district is a testament to its past, with many of the original buildings still standing. The city's residents are proud of their heritage and work hard to preserve it for future generations.

In conclusion, Nacogdoches, Texas, has a rich and storied history that dates back to 1716. Its early history was marked by conflict and struggle, but the town's location on the banks of the Neches River made it a valuable trading post and a hub for commerce and culture. Today, Nacogdoches is a vibrant and thriving city with a population of over 30,000, and it is home to several historic landmarks. The city's residents are proud of their heritage and work hard to preserve it for future generations.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781622881215