Nac Historic Sites

Nac Historic Sites These sites are free to tour!

City of Nacogdoches Historic Sites Division preserves and operates programs at four historic sites around downtown: The Sterne-Hoya House, the Durst-Taylor House, the Nacogdoches Railroad Depot, and Zion Hill Baptist Church. Sterne-Hoya House Museum and Library - 211 South Lanana open Wed-Sat 10-4
Durst-Taylor Historic House and Gardens - 304 North Street open Wed-Sat 10-4
Nacogdoches RR Depot - 101 Old Tyler Road open Thurs-Sat 10-4

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From acoustic concerts and recitals to small, intimate performances, Zion Hill offers a unique setting where music and s...
06/23/2026

From acoustic concerts and recitals to small, intimate performances, Zion Hill offers a unique setting where music and storytelling truly come to life. The natural acoustics and historic character create an atmosphere that draws audiences in and allows every note and word to be felt as much as heard.

Historic spaces were meant to be filled with sound, community, and shared experiences - moments that linger long after the final note.

We are always looking for musicians, performers, and storytellers who would like to share their talents. Whether you are planning a recital, a small concert, or a creative performance, we would love to help bring your event to life in this meaningful space at Zion Hill Historic Site.

To inquire about hosting your performance, call (936) 800-6620 or email [email protected].

This Juneteenth, we remember Reverend Lawson Reed, the founding pastor of Zion Hill First Baptist Church and a man whose...
06/19/2026

This Juneteenth, we remember Reverend Lawson Reed, the founding pastor of Zion Hill First Baptist Church and a man whose life reflected the significant changes brought by emancipation.

Born into slavery and later emancipated, Reverend Reed helped establish Zion Hill First Baptist Church in 1878, creating the first African American Baptist congregation in Nacogdoches. At a time when newly freed African Americans were building lives, communities, and institutions of their own, Zion Hill became an important center for worship, fellowship, education, and community leadership.

For generations, Zion Hill was far more than a place of worship. It served as a center of faith, fellowship, and community during a period of change in Nacogdoches. While emancipation brought new opportunities, it was leaders like Reverend Lawson Reed who helped build lasting cornerstones that supported and strengthened the African American community. Through his faith, determination, and vision, Reed established a congregation that would become an important part of Nacogdoches' history for generations to come.

As we commemorate Juneteenth, we also honor the men and women who built churches, schools, businesses, and communities in its aftermath. Reverend Lawson Reed's legacy lives on through the history of Zion Hill and the generations of worshippers who followed in his footsteps.

What role do you think churches like Zion Hill played in shaping early community life in Nacogdoches?

*Pictured below are Reverend Lawson Reed and several historic photographs of the early Zion Hill congregation.*

City of Nacogdoches Historic Sites will be closed Friday and Saturday, June 19th and 20th in observance of Juneteenth. R...
06/18/2026

City of Nacogdoches Historic Sites will be closed Friday and Saturday, June 19th and 20th in observance of Juneteenth.

Regular hours will resume Wednesday, June 24th.

Take a moment to step back in time and imagine this view of North Street more than a century ago.This early 1900s–1920s ...
06/18/2026

Take a moment to step back in time and imagine this view of North Street more than a century ago.

This early 1900s–1920s photograph captures the beautiful Wettermark home, designed by noted architect Diedrich Rulfs and built in 1900. The home stood just north of what is now the Stephen F. Austin State University campus, surrounded by wide open spaces and far fewer buildings than we see today. Sadly, the house was lost to fire in 1924, but photographs like this preserve a glimpse of its elegance and the landscape that once surrounded it.

What stands out most in this image is how much open land can be seen. Today, North Street is lined with businesses, parking lots, and constant activity, making it one of Nacogdoches' busiest roads. In contrast, this photograph shows a much quieter scene, where large homes sat amid expansive yards and undeveloped land.

For the families who lived in Nacogdoches - such as the residents of the Sterne-Hoya House and Durst-Taylor House - this would have been a familiar sight. Their daily lives unfolded in a community with fewer buildings, fewer cars, and much more open space than we know today. Looking at photographs like this helps us see Nacogdoches through their eyes and better understand the world they called home.

As Nacogdoches has grown and changed, views like this remind us just how dramatically our community's landscape has evolved over the last century.

If you could spend one day in Nacogdoches during this era, what part of town would you want to explore?

Junior Engineer Days, at the Nacogdoches Railroad Depot, continues this Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.This week,...
06/17/2026

Junior Engineer Days, at the Nacogdoches Railroad Depot, continues this Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

This week, kids will enjoy blueberry-themed crafts, a historic food demonstration with museum staff, hands-on activity stations, and a free play area.

As the sun begins to set, golden hour at Zion Hill transforms the space into something truly special. Warm evening light...
06/16/2026

As the sun begins to set, golden hour at Zion Hill transforms the space into something truly special. Warm evening light fills the sanctuary while sunlight pours through the stained glass windows, painting the floor in vibrant color.

The historic character, natural light, and peaceful atmosphere make Zion Hill a beautiful setting for bridal portraits, engagement sessions, family photography, and senior portraits. Every photograph captures not just a moment, but the story of a historic place.

As an added perk, photography sessions scheduled during normal open hours are welcome at no cost. Call (936)800-6620 or email [email protected] to schedule your next photography session!

Make plans to stop by the Durst-Taylor House at 304 North Street, just a block away from the Texas Blueberry Festival fe...
06/13/2026

Make plans to stop by the Durst-Taylor House at 304 North Street, just a block away from the Texas Blueberry Festival festivities.

Saturday, June 13, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Enjoy a historic food demonstration and learn how pemmican, a nutrient-rich preserved food that helped sustain travelers for generations, was traditionally made.

Families can also enjoy blueberry-themed crafts in the barn.

Just in time for the festival, the blackberries growing on our historic trellis are ripe and ready to pick. Visitors are welcome to pick a few berries and take them home while supplies last.

Admission is free.

You've heard of a $2 bill, but have you ever heard of a $3 bill?This $3 note was issued by the Republic of Texas in 1840...
06/12/2026

You've heard of a $2 bill, but have you ever heard of a $3 bill?

This $3 note was issued by the Republic of Texas in 1840, just three years after the young republic began printing its own paper currency. The note bears the signature of General Kelsey Douglass,an early Nacogdoches merchant and close friend of Adolphus Sterne.

In the years before Republic of Texas currency was introduced, Texans used a variety of money in everyday transactions. Spanish and Mexican coins circulated widely, along with currency from other states and even paper notes issued by private companies, commonly known as "shinplasters." As Texas worked to establish its own financial system, notes like this one became part of daily commerce across the republic.

The banknote pictured here is believed to be a "redback," a type of Republic of Texas currency that was worth about 37 cents on the U.S. dollar. While its face value was $3, its actual purchasing power was considerably less.

This small piece of paper also tells a larger story about Nacogdoches. Men like Kelsey Douglass and Adolphus Sterne helped shape the community during the Republic era, when Nacogdoches was an important center of trade, politics, and settlement on the Texas frontier. Documents like this connect us directly to the people who conducted business, built relationships, and helped lay the foundation for the city we know today.

A reproduction of this note can be found in the collection of the Sterne-Hoya House and Library, preserving a fascinating piece of both Texas and Nacogdoches history.

What do you think a $3 Republic of Texas note could have bought in Nacogdoches in 1840?

This photograph from around 1880 shows a band ensemble in Nacogdoches. Among the musicians is Charles Hoya, who appears ...
06/11/2026

This photograph from around 1880 shows a band ensemble in Nacogdoches. Among the musicians is Charles Hoya, who appears to be holding an alto horn. While the name of the ensemble has not been identified, images like this offer a fascinating glimpse into the musical life of East Texas during the late nineteenth century.

In an era before recorded music, bands played an important role in many communities. Whether organized through civic groups, churches, schools, businesses, or simply a shared love of music, ensembles gave local residents an opportunity to develop their musical talents and perform together. For many participants, music was not a profession but a creative outlet that brought people together and added entertainment to community life.

Charles Hoya is best known today through his connection to the historic Sterne-Hoya House in Nacogdoches, but this photograph reminds us that local history is made up of many different stories. Beyond their work and family lives, Nacogdoches residents also found time for music, fellowship, and the arts.

What do you notice about this photograph? Do you recognize any of the instruments or have family stories about local bands and musical groups in Nacogdoches? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Zion Hill is more than a ceremony space. Rehearsals, private dinners, and small gatherings can all be hosted in a settin...
06/09/2026

Zion Hill is more than a ceremony space. Rehearsals, private dinners, and small gatherings can all be hosted in a setting rich with history, character, and charm. Whether you are planning an intimate evening with family or a pre-event rehearsal gathering, the space offers a welcoming and flexible environment.

Tables and chairs are available for use, allowing hosts to set up the space to fit their needs easily. The on-site kitchenette also provides a convenient area for catering setup, refreshments, or serving meals during your event, helping everything run smoothly and comfortably.

At Zion Hill Baptist Church, every gathering deserves a meaningful backdrop that enhances the experience.

Call (936) 800-6620 or email [email protected] to schedule your next event.

Address

Zion Hill (Historic Sites Main Office): 324 N. Lanana St
Nacogdoches, TX
75961

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+19365605426

Website

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