Site of Pattonia
Historical marker location:Nearby was the site of the riverport community of Pattonia (also called Patton's Landing), founded by Robert S. and Moses L. Patton in 1844. Pattonia was situated at a bend in the Angelina River on a tract of land patented to General Thomas J. Rusk. The Patton brothers moved to Texas from Georgia in 1835, with Moses serving as a courier for Rusk during the Texas War for Independence. Robert's daughter Harriet Ann would later marry Gen. Rusk's son, John Cleveland Rusk.
By the 1840s, the Patton brothers, experienced riverboat pilots, decided to test the feasibility of navigating the Angelina River, using a flat-bottomed keelboat named the Thomas J. Rusk. Successful in their initial efforts, the Pattons purchased the steamboat Angelina and soon established regular commerce on the river between the new town of Pattonia and the Gulf of Mexico. Boats carried cotton downriver, while supplies were sent upstream to Pattonia, where they were unloaded and sent overland to Nacogdoches and other locations by wagon.
Pattonia soon declined, however, and the Patton brothers turned their attention to other endeavors. Robert passed away in 1857 and Moses died in 1883. By the 1880s, boats no longer served the port community. Erosion of the river banks, lowering water levels, obstruction by fallen logs, accumulation of sandbars and other factors contributed to the demise of the port and made navigation on the Angelina River difficult. The emergence of dependable rail travel made Pattonia's river commerce obsolete. Today, nothing remains of this once vital link to river trade in east Texas. (2007)
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.
The state of Texas was once an independent country known as the Republic of Texas. It gained independence from Mexico in 1836 and was a separate nation until it was annexed by the United States in 1845.
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.
Nacogdoches County Timeline
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.