Discover the Oldest Town in Texas

Texas is the 28th state to join the country. This southern state is massive. It’s the largest state by area in the continental United States, so it shouldn’t be surprising to know that Texas is home to many old cities. The oldest city in Texas is only three years younger than the United States. Still, it existed long before Texas joined the U.S. Are you ready to discover the oldest town in Texas? Keep reading!

What is the Oldest Town in Texas?

The oldest town in Texas is Nacogdoches, a small city in Nacogdoches County. Colonel Antonio Gil Y’Barbo, a Spaniard, founded this 27.66-square-mile town in 1779. Nacogdoches was incorporated as a town in 1837 and a city in 1929. As of 2020, the town has a population of about 32,147.

About Nacogdoches, Texas

Nacogdoches has a long history. Here, we’re going to read a snapshot of it. This old town in East Texas was once home to the Caddo people. Nearby modern-day Nacogdoches was likely the Nevantin, the primary village of the Nacogdoche tribe. Scientists have found evidence that points to settlements as old as 10,000 years in the area.

Colonel Antonio Gil Y’Barbo was one of the first settlers of Nacogdoches. He was a prominent trader and acted as the town’s lieutenant governor. Interestingly, this old city has been under about eight different flags. This town is also home to the oldest English newspaper in Texas. Previously, the newspapers were written in Spanish. On August 2 and 3, 1832, the Battle of Nacogdoches took place.

Not only is this town rich in history, but it was also home to wonderful and notable people. For instance, Oscar P. Austin was a United States Marine born in Nacogdoches. For his bravery and sacrifice in the Vietnam War, he received the Medal of Honor. Joseph W. Kennedy was also born in the oldest town in Texas and he co-discovered the chemical element, plutonium. Although Alana Stewart, actress and model, wasn’t born in Nacogdoches, but in California, she was raised in this small city.

Things to Do in Nacogdoches

Nacogdoches is a great place to visit. While here, you can take hiking trails, view wildlife, visit museums and other historic points, and eat delicious food. A main point of interest within this old city is the Mast Arboretum on the campus of Stephen F. Austin State University. This lovely arboretum and garden is open daily with no entry fee. While walking in the garden, you can admire more 3,000 plant species. People travel from all over Texas to view the Ruby Mize Azalea Garden, an 8-acre themed garden filled with colorful azaleas and large Japanese maple trees.

Lovers of history can enjoy Millard’s Crossing Historic Village. This Recorded Texas Historic Landmark sits on 37 acres of land. Not only can you visit for a self-guided walking tour, but also rent different buildings for meetings, weddings, and more.

One of the best things to do in this town is the Stone Fort Museum. This impressive replica was built in 1936 and sits on the campus of Stephen F. Austin State University. Fun fact: the original Stone Fort wasn’t a fort at all. Instead, it was a building made of native iron ore used as a mercantile house by Antonio Gil Y’Barbo. The last owner of the original building was William and Charles Perkins. By 1902, the family dismantled this old building. Within the large museums are old artifacts belonging to people who once lived in the oldest town in Texas.

Wildlife in Nacogdoches

Apart from visiting museums and diving back into the past, you can also hike many nature trails in the area. Most of the trails within this old city are easy, perfect for families and beginners. One of the most popular hiking trails is the Lanaca Creek Trail, which runs for about 8.2 miles. On average, it takes 2.5 hours to walk. While hiking this lovely trail, you may encounter animals, but what kind? Follow along to discover some animals that live in and around Nacogdoches, the oldest town in Texas.

Little Brown Skink

The first animal on our list is the little brown skink. These small smooth skinks are found throughout Eastern and Southeastern Texas. They are sometimes also called ground skinks. Little brown skinks as listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. These tiny skinks are only about 3.5 to 5 inches long, although some can reach 6 inches. They have brown coppery skin, light bellies, and short legs. Little brown skinks also have brown, black, and yellow markings on their backs, which helps them blend into their surroundings. These forest-dwelling skinks live as north as New Jersey, and as south as Mexico. Little brown skinks are excellent foragers. They hunt for food on the ground, slithering underneath leaves.

Northern Mockingbird

Another animal spotted in the oldest town in Texas is the northern mockingbird. The northern mockingbird is found throughout North America. Although it can migrate to warmer climates, most northern mockingbirds are permanent residents. On the IUCN Red List, these medium-sized grayish birds are listed as Least Concern. Northern mockingbirds have long legs and tails. There are few physical differences between male and female northern mockingbirds. These lovely bird range in size from 8 to 11 inches long. Their tails are nearly the length of their bodies. Like other mockingbird species, they are omnivores. Mockingbirds are excellent foragers and hunters. They drink water from plants, creeks, ponds, and rivers. They also eat insects, lizards, fruit, and seeds. Northern mockingbirds are especially known for their amazing mimic skills. They can imitate the call of hundreds of bird species.

Common Box Turtle

Common box turtles are also found in Nacogdoches. Sadly, common box turtles are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. There are six recognized subspecies, most of which are vulnerable. Box turtles live throughout the Eastern United States and parts of Mexico including the Yucatán Peninsula. Previously, the common box turtle’s native range started in Canada. So, which subspecies lives in Nacogdoches? Eastern box turtles live throughout Eastern Texas. Despite being dry turtles, they are excellent swimmers, found near creeks, rivers, and marshes.

North American River Otter

The next animal you may encounter in or near Nacogdoches is the North American river otter. These small and social mammals are found throughout Eastern Texas. North American river otters are active semi-aquatic mammals native to North America. They weigh about 11 to 30 pounds, depending on their region. Male river otters are larger than female river otters. These unique animals use their whiskers to detect prey in the water and hunt. North American river otters are known for their playful nature. They are very social animals and interact with each other well, by wrestling or chasing each other. North American river otters aren’t picky. They form large social groups with other males or females. In terms of diet, they eat fish, crustaceans, turtles, and small mammals.

Eastern Newt

Last but not least is the eastern newt. This newt is common in Eastern Texas. Eastern newts are common in wet environments. They live in wet forests, ponds, rivers, lakes, and marshes. Eastern newts produce tetrodotoxin, a toxin that protects them from predators. This toxin makes them hard to eat. Eastern newts range in appearance depending on the subspecies. The most common eastern newts though are bright red-orange with spots or green-brown with red spots. The bright red spots warn animals of their toxicity.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Tudoran Andrei/Shutterstock.com