Nacogdoches in Nacogdoches County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Old Nacogdoches University Building

Photographed by Brian Anderson, April 10, 2021

1. Old Nacogdoches University Building Marker

Inscription. The Republic of Texas chartered Nacogdoches University in 1845 to fulfill East Texas settlers’ ideals for higher education. The University occupied various downtown buildings before this building was completed in time for classes in fall 1859. Local citizens underwrote the project with donations of money, materials, land, labor and foodstuffs. During the Civil War the structure served as a Confederate hospital and functioned as a headquarters for a Federal regiment during Reconstruction. The building served the University until deeded to the Nacogdoches Independent School District in 1904. It continued as an educational facility until the 1960s when its care and use became the charge of the Nacogdoches Historical Society and later the Federation of Women’s Clubs. After restoration, the structure became available for community functions and now houses a small museum dedicated to education in Nacogdoches.

The temple style of the building is a fine example of Greek Revival Classicism of the early and mid-19th century. The original contractor was John H. Cato, with the work completed by J. H. Muckleroy at a cost of $10,500.

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

The two-story loadbearing masonry building features common bond red brick made on-site with local clay. The rectangular floor plan features narrow four-over-four windows on both floors, with three bays at the entrance and six bays along each side divided by brick pilasters. The prominent portico is composed of massive Doric style columns on plinth blocks, a broad entablature, and a deeply recessed pediment. The main entrance has solid paneled doors with a tall transom and sidelights. The gabled roof is topped by an octagonal frame copula with a bell roof capped by a carved finial.

Recorded Texas Historic Landmark – 1962

Erected 1962 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 9299.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1845.

Location. 31° 36.411′ N, 94° 39.098′ W. Marker is in Nacogdoches, Texas, in Nacogdoches County. It can be reached from North Mound Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 515 North Mound Street, Nacogdoches TX 75961, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is

Photographed by Brian Anderson, April 10, 2021

2. Old Nacogdoches University Building Marker

Rear of the marker is visible in this photo.

in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and in the Piney Woods.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Nacogdoches University (a few steps from this marker); Washington Square (a few steps from this marker); Old Nacogdoches University (within shouting distance of this marker); Ancient Mound (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Washington Square (about 500 feet away); Site of the home of Charles S. Taylor (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Fredonia Hotel (approx. 0.2 miles away); Welcome to Durst-Taylor Historic House and Gardens (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nacogdoches.

Also see . . . Nacogdoches University - The Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association (TSHA) (Submitted on April 13, 2021, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio.)

Old Nacogdoches University Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brian Anderson, April 10, 2021

3. Old Nacogdoches University Building

Credits. This page was last revised on April 13, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 13, 2021, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio. This page has been viewed 760 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 13, 2021, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio.