Nacogdoches in Nacogdoches County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Eugenia Sterne Park
A Deed of Affection from Sam Houston
Eugenia was the twelve-year-old daughter of Adolphus Sterne, Sam Houston's friend from the time of their first meeting in 1817. Sterne was a Nacogdoches merchant, land speculator, politician, and Texas libertarian, who eventually became a state representative and then a senator.
Sam Houston―who had been a soldier, congressman, and governor of Tennessee―made his first trip to Texas in 1832 to visit Sterne. Houston boarded with the Sternes and was baptized as a Catholic in the Sterne's parlour. Houston acquired considerable real estate in Nacogdoches and cited Nacogdoches as his residence as late as 1835. Houston's relationship with the Sterne family, particularly with young Eugenia, was close and warm. Sam Houston gave Eugenia this plot of ground as he was leaving on his way to his inauguration as President of the Republic of Texas.
Eugenia married Thomas Charles Barrett of Melrose on June 2, 1845. She had three children and was widowed after eight years of marriage. After the deaths of her father in 1852 and her husband in 1853, Eugenia and her mother moved to Austin, where they had a boarding house and Eugenia taught piano. She died in March 1919 and was buried in Austin's Oakwood Cemetery.
The Eugenia Sterne Park was the inspiration of Cathy Wilson in 1989. The Timber Framers Guild built the gazebo in 1994. Eugenia Sterne Park was deeded to the city in 1996.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers • War, Texas Independence. A significant historical date for this entry is March 2, 1813.
Location. 31° 36.071′ N, 94° 39.054′ W. Marker is in Nacogdoches, Texas, in Nacogdoches County. Marker is on Pilar Street near Lanana Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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. Site of Bivouac and Banquet for The New Orleans' Greys (a few steps from this marker); "The Treaty" (within shouting distance of this marker); The New Orleans Greys (within shouting distance of this marker); Home of Adolphus Sterne (within shouting distance of this marker); Texas Revolutionary War Soldier (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); "Running to the Fight" (about 700 feet away); Kelsey Harris Douglass (about 700 feet away); Captain Hayden Arnold (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nacogdoches.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 12, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 16, 2010, by Steve Gustafson of Lufkin, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,133 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 16, 2010, by Steve Gustafson of Lufkin, Texas. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.