Historical Marker

1796 Spanish Colonial Rancho of Bernardo D'Ortolan

Historical marker location:
Nacogdoches, Texas
( 1.01 miles north on CR755 from its intersection with FM225; located on the north side of the road and in the SE corner of Lot 38)
Marker installed: 2011
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Following the Treaty of Paris in 1763, East Texas Spanish missions and presidio los adaes were closed and the inhabitants moved to San Antonio, but a group of settlers returned to the Nacogdoches area. Over the next few decades, the area thrived. Don Bernardo D’ortolan (1750-1821), a French native, rose quickly to the rank of captain within the Spanish militia, worked as an Indian interpreter for the Spanish, and was a member of the De Mezieres expedition to Bexar in 1778-1779. D’ortolan was transferred to the Nacogdoches area in 1796 after a conflict with French loyalists during the Natchitoches revolt of 1795. He lived as a farmer on this land along El Camino Real de Los Tejas, dubbed “Rancho San Bernardo del Loco.”

D’ortolan lived with his two sons and nine slaves, including Marie Juana and her six children. His relationship with Marie Juana appears complex, as he saw to it that several of her children were baptized. In 1808, Marie Juana petitioned the governor of texas to allow her to buy the freedom of her oldest son, and, though D’ortolan protested, her petition was granted. Despite D’ortolan’s occasional cruelty toward slaves, he granted in his will that his slave, Raphael, be emancipated following D’ortolan’s death. Rapahel was left in charge of the rancho when D’ortolan was forced to leave Nacogdoches in 1813 due to his involvement with the Gutierrez-Magee revolt. D’ortolan’s son, Raymond, inherited the rancho, and it remained in the family until the 1840s. This site of D’ortolan’s home bears a witness to the turbulent, multi-cultural world of the pre-republic period in East Texas

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

ranching Period of Spanish governance
The first oil well in the United States was drilled in Texas in 1859. The discovery of oil transformed the economy of the state and helped to make Texas one of the wealthiest states in the nation.
Texas random facts
Nacogdoches County, Texas has a rich and deeply rooted history. The area's first inhabitants were indigenous Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Lipan Apache. European exploration reached the region in the early 18th century, with Spanish explorers establishing missions and settlements. Nacogdoches, founded in 1779, is the oldest town in Texas and served as a vital center for trade and commerce during the Spanish and Mexican periods.

During the Texas Revolution, Nacogdoches County played a significant role. It became a hotbed of support for the Texian cause, hosting important political meetings and serving as a training ground for volunteers. In 1836, General Sam Houston rallied troops in Nacogdoches before leading them to victory in the Battle of San Jacinto, securing Texas' independence from Mexico.

The county's economy flourished in the mid-19th century, driven by the booming lumber industry. Abundant pine forests attracted sawmills, leading Nacogdoches to become known as the "Gateway City to the Piney Woods." Railroads further facilitated economic growth, linking the area to major markets and fueling the development of thriving towns.

In the 20th century, Nacogdoches County continued to evolve, diversifying its economy beyond lumber and timber. The establishment of Stephen F. Austin State University in 1923 brought educational and cultural opportunities to the area. Today, Nacogdoches County retains its rich historical character while embracing modernization, attracting visitors with its vibrant downtown, historical sites, and natural beauty.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Nacogdoches County, Texas.

  • 1721 - Spanish settlers establish a mission called Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe de los Nacogdoches, marking the earliest European presence in the area.
  • 1779 - Nacogdoches becomes the easternmost settlement in Spanish Texas when the Spanish government authorizes the town's relocation.
  • 1826 - Mexican authorities officially separate Nacogdoches from the Department of Bexar and establish it as a municipality.
  • 1836 - The Battle of Nacogdoches occurs during the Texas Revolution, with Texian forces defeating Mexican troops.
  • 1838 - Nacogdoches becomes the first English-speaking settlement to be incorporated by the Republic of Texas.
  • 1845 - Nacogdoches County is established as one of the original counties of the newly admitted state of Texas.
  • 1870 - The arrival of railroads spurs economic growth and development in Nacogdoches County.
  • 1902 - Stephen F. Austin State Normal School (now Stephen F. Austin State University) is established in Nacogdoches.
  • 1938 - The Texas State Railroad begins operating, providing transportation for timber and passengers.
  • 1986 - The Nacogdoches Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 1989 - The Texas Legislature designates Nacogdoches as the "Oldest Town in Texas" due to its long history of continuous settlement.
  • 2005 - Nacogdoches experiences significant damage and power outages due to Hurricane Rita.
  • 2010 - The population of Nacogdoches County reaches over 64,000 residents.