Texas Cities

Region: Piney Woods

The "Oldest Town in Texas," named for the Caddo family of Indians who once lived in the area. Remained a Caddo settlement until 1716 when Spain established a mission here. In 1779, received designation from Spain as a "pueblo," or town, and Antonio Gil Y'Barbo, a prominent Spanish trader, was named Lt. Governor. Y'Barbo laid out streets of present-day downtown with intersecting El Camino Real and La Calle del Norte, believed to be the oldest public thoroughfare in the United States, as central point. For more than a hundred years, town was major eastern gateway to Texas. The town offers insight into the fight for Texas independence. While six flags have flown over Texas, nine flags, including those of three abortive republics, flew over Nacogdoches.

Numerous landmarks and museums pay tribute to the town's historic past, which makes it a popular tourist destination today. The city also is home to Stephen F. Austin State University.