Nacogdoches, Texas is the oldest community in Texas. Around 1700, the Spanish began establishing missions in and around Nacogdoches to have a presence in the area and to bring Christianity to Native Americans.
Naturally when you visit this East Texas city you expect to find several historic attractions and you won’t be disappointed. Two homes open for tour are the Nicholas Adolphus Sterne house and the Durst-Taylor Historic House and Gardens.
Nicholas Adolphus Sterne built his home in 1830. It is the oldest structure still standing on its original site. Only two families owned the home before it was gifted to the city in 1958.
The tour of this modified dogtrot home offers a look at affluent citizens of the day. The collection of antiques includes the Empire Period and the Victorian Age representing the time when each owner lived in the beautiful frame house.
A small reference library is also part of the collection. Interested visitors can research Texas history and genealogy.
Located on a quiet tree-lined street at 211 S Lanana Street, it is open Tuesday –Saturday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tours are free but donations are welcome.
Durst-Taylor Historic House and Gardens is also from the 1830s and is interpreted to the 1840 to 1860 time period when a family by the name of Blackburn lived there.
The house, located on a busy city street surrounded by businesses, is the second oldest structure still standing on its original site. Visitors start their tour at the Visitors Center where large detailed plaques explain the house’s long history. A docent then takes visitors to a blacksmith shop, smokehouse and historic gardens before entering the house. Much plainer than the Nicholas Adolphus Sterne house, it is nonetheless just as interesting to discover this slice of Texas life two centuries ago.
The house is located at 304 North Street. It is open for tour Tuesday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tours are free but donations are welcome.
There are many other historic sites to experience in the city as well as antique shops and excellent locally-owned restaurants in the heart of the city. Make sure and stop at the Visitor’s Center as well. There are museum-style exhibits and helpful employees ready to help you plan your day exploring.
