“Texas Starts Here” is far more than a tagline in historic Nacogdoches. For over 300 years, Nacogdoches has consistently been on the forefront of both history and innovation. Nacogdoches and Nacogdoches County claim Texas’ first two story building, first newspaper, first oil field, first oil well, and first pipeline. The Oldest Town in Texas is a rare example of a community that honors its history while continually moving forward. 

 

Nacogdoches is home to over 33,000 people. The community is an East Texas regional business hub, anchored by Stephen F. Austin State University - home to nearly 13,000 students studying in over 120 majors and academic specializations.

 

The physical environment is stunning: Authentic brick streets in downtown Nacogdoches, the breathtaking beauty of rolling hills and 100-foot-tall pine trees, three renowned fishing and boating lakes nearby, and the phenomenal Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden (Texas’ largest) situated on 417 picturesque acres of the SFA campus all contribute to being a place were people like to be. 

 

The sense of history here is awe-inspiring. The famed El Camino Real runs right through downtown, and the spirit that field three attempts to establish the Republic of Texas still lingers in the air. As beautiful and historic as it is, it’s this indomitable community spirit that makes Nacogdoches a place worthy of investing your time, talents, and energy.