The Oldest Town In Texas That Everyone Should Visit At Least Once
By Katie Lawrence|Published November 01, 2016
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing.
Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.
With as rich a history as Texas has, it makes sense that there are many old towns and settlements. Unfortunately, not all of them managed to survive into the present day. But by some stroke of luck, the very oldest town in Texas, Nacogdoches, became a thriving college town with a quaint charm you just can’t find anywhere else.
Nacogdoches dates back over 10,000 years. It began as a village of the Nacogdoche tribe of Caddo Indians.
It has been under more flags than the state of Texas itself and attracted many settlers whose descendants still reside there today from the Battle of Nacogdoches.
Walking around downtown will evoke a feeling you can't experience anywhere else as you pass antiquated buildings with character.
This is the old railroad depot that commanded the East and West Texas Railroad that shifted the town's economy to trade and commerce, greatly contributing to its existence today.
A native Nacogdoches woman, Lera Millard Thomas, created the village in an attempt to preserve the buildings and artifacts that the pioneers of the oldest town in Texas used to establish their settlement.
Nacogdoches also has plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature, like Lanana Creek Trail, where you can follow in the footsteps of Native Americans and see beautiful flora while experiencing some peace and quiet.
The eats in Nacogdoches definitely don't disappoint. Pop into Dolli's Diner after a full day of exploring and enjoy a classic Southern meal in an old-fashioned diner setting.
