Photographer: Stan A. Williams
Region: Piney Woods
The "Oldest Town in Texas" is named for the Caddo tribe that once lived in
the area. It remained a Caddo settlement until 1716 when Spain established a
mission here. In 1779, it 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 the streets of present-day downtown with the
intersection of El Camino Real and La Calle del Norte as the central point. For
more than 100 years, Nacogdoches was the 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.
Nearby Cities: Center, Joinerville, Carthage, Hemphill, Weches, Alto, more...