Historical Marker

Dr. Joseph William Kennedy, Jr

Historical marker location:
South Vista Drive, Nacogdoches, Texas
( In front of Kennedy Auditorium located on the campus of Stephen F. Austin State University. See Building #37 on the SFA campus map)
Marker installed: 2012
Marker size: 27" x 42"

DR. JOSEPH WILLIAM KENNEDY, JR.

DR. JOSEPH WILLIAM KENNEDY, JR. WAS BORN IN NACOGDOCHES ON MAY 30, 1916 AND GRADUATED FROM NACOGDOCHES HIGH SCHOOL IN 1932 AS VALEDICTORIAN. KENNEDY ATTENDED STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE TEACHERS COLLEGE AND, IN 1935, RECEIVED HIS B.A. DEGREE IN CHEMISTRY WITH THE HIGHEST GRADE POINT AVERAGE OF ANY STUDENT UP TO THAT TIME. KENNEDY GRADUATED FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS IN 1937 WITH AN M.A. IN CHEMISTRY. IN 1939, KENNEDY RECEIVED HIS PH.D. FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT BERKELEY AND JOINED THE FACULTY AS A CHEMISTRY INSTRUCTOR.

WHILE AT U.C. BERKELEY, KENNEDY AND COLLEAGUES ARTHUR WAHL, GLENN SEABORG AND EDWIN MCMILLAN DISCOVERED THE ELEMENT PLUTONIUM AND DEVELOPED A METHOD OF SEPARATING IT FROM OTHER FUEL MATERIAL IN A NUCLEAR REACTOR. KENNEDY ALSO DESIGNED AND BUILT DETECTION INSTRUMENTS, GEIGER AND PROPORTIONAL COUNTERS, IONIZATION CHAMBERS AND LINEAR AMPLIFIERS THAT WERE ESSENTIAL TO RADIOCHEMISTRY IN THE EARLY 1940s. DR. KENNEDY BEGAN WORK ON THE MANHATTAN PROJECT AT LOS ALAMOS LABORATORY IN MARCH 1943 WHERE HE DEVELOPED AND TESTED THE ATOMIC BOMB. PRESIDENT HARRY TRUMAN AWARDED DR. KENNEDY THE MEDAL OF MERIT IN 1946, THE HIGHEST MILITARY AWARD FOR A CIVILIAN. AFTER HIS ASSIGNMENT AT LOS ALAMOS, DR. KENNEDY WAS NAMED CHAIRMAN OF THE CHEMISTRY DEPARTMENT AT WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS AND PIONEERED HOT LABS WHERE TRACER ATOMS WERE STUDIED. DR. KENNEDY DIED ON MAY 5, 1957 IN LAUDE, MISSOURI. AT THE URGING OF DR. KENNEDY’S FAMILY, THE BOARD OF REGENTS RENAMED THE SCIENCE AUDITORIUM AT STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY THE JOSEPH W. KENNEDY AUDITORIUM ON JANUARY 23, 1971.

(2012)

MARKER IS PROPERTY OF THE STATE OF 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.

scientific topics
The Alamo, a mission in San Antonio, is perhaps the most famous historical site in Texas. It was the site of a key battle during the Texas Revolution in 1836.
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 concise overview of the key events in the history 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.