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

Sam Houston's First Home in Texas

Photographed By Brian Anderson, April 10, 2021

1. Sam Houston's First Home in Texas Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Sam Houston made his first home in Texas in the historic town of Nacogdoches. A former Tennessee governor and U.S. congressman, Houston left Washington, D.C. for Texas in December of 1832. The presence of Tennesseeans and fellow masons Adolphus Sterne and Henry Raguet made Nacogdoches an agreeable place to settle.

Houston boarded with the Sternes and soon set up a law practice. The Sternes sponsored his baptism into the Catholic Church, enabling him to own property under Mexican law. Houston's arrival in Nacogdoches came very soon after settlers of Anahuac, Velasco and Nacogdoches had driven out their Mexican garrisons in the first actions of the Texas Revolution, and he represented Nacogdoches as a delegate in San Felipe at the Convention of 1833 and the Consultation of 1835.

Although frequently away from Nacogdoches during the Texas Revolution and early republic, Houston maintained close ties with the town. His friendship with Thomas J. Rusk, forged while they were both new citizens of Nacogdoches lasted through wars, independence and statehood; the men served together as Texas' first U.S. Senators.

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an 1849 affidavit witnessed by Rusk, Houston stated that he first "domiciled in Nacogdoches in February 1833,” and he continued to declare his residence in Nacogdoches "and no other place” until 1839. Although many places in the state can make valid claims to Sam Houston, only Nacogdoches can claim to be his first permanent Texas home.

Erected 2009 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 15904.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • War, Texas Independence. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1832.

Location. 31° 36.161′ N, 94° 39.328′ W. Marker is in Nacogdoches, Texas, in Nacogdoches County. Marker is at the intersection of East Pilar Street and South Pecan Street, on the right when traveling east on East Pilar Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 202 East Pilar Street, Nacogdoches TX 75961, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Gladys Hampton Building (here, next to this marker); Site of First Home in Texas Owned by General Sam Houston (here, next to this marker); Chas. Hoya Land Office (a few steps from this marker); Wyatt's Office City (a few steps from this marker); The Hoya Buildings (within shouting distance of this marker);

Photographed By Brian Anderson, April 10, 2021

2. Sam Houston's First Home in Texas Marker

Ingraham Building (within shouting distance of this marker); First National Bank - 1890 (within shouting distance of this marker); The George F. Ingraham Building (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nacogdoches.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 17, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 17, 2021, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. This page has been viewed 404 times since then and 165 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 17, 2021, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas.