Los Nogales

S. River and E. Live Oak Sts., Seguin, TX
The oldest house in Seguin, Texas, is Los Nogales, a small building, constructed of sun-dried brick. The builder of the house is unknown, but by 1765 it was a station stop on the Old Spanish Trail, also known as the Old San Antonio Road, or Camino Real.

The most famous occupant of Los Nogales was Juan Seguin, who used it as a post office in 1825. The Seguin family was one of the most respected Mexican families in Texas. The town of Seguin was named after Juan Seguin. Seguin and his father- were instrumental in helping Stephen F. Austin start his colony and in helping Texas win its independence in 1836. Juan himself entered the Alamo with Travis. Later he fought at the Battle of San Jacinto with Sam Houston and served as a lieutenant colonel in the Texas Cavalry.

Ben McCulloch, the well-known surveyor of many Texas counties, used Los Nogales as his home in 1838 while he surveyed the Seguin townsite. By 1840 pioneers had moved into the old house.

In 1952 Dr. Hugh Davis purchased Los Nogales; the following year the Seguin Conservation Society took steps to restore the building.

Recorded Texas Historic Landmark 1962.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

The state flower of Texas is the bluebonnet. The flower blooms in the spring and is a common sight along the highways and in fields throughout the state.
Guadalupe County, located in south-central Texas, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Coahuiltecan, Karankawa, and Tonkawa tribes. These indigenous communities thrived off the region's abundant waterways and natural resources.

The area came under Spanish rule in the 18th century when Spanish explorers and missionaries arrived. In 1756, the Spanish established the Mission Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe de los Nacogdoches near present-day Seguin, marking the beginning of European settlement in the area. The mission was intended to convert and provide shelter for Native Americans, but it was eventually abandoned due to conflicts with local tribes.

During the turbulent years of the 19th century, Guadalupe County witnessed significant changes. In 1836, the Battle of the Alamo and the Texas Revolution prompted a wave of Anglo-American settlers to move into the area. The county was officially established in 1846, and soon after, it became an important center for agriculture, particularly cotton production.

The county's growth continued during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The arrival of the railroad in the 1870s brought increased economic opportunities and facilitated trade with other regions of the state. By the early 20th century, Guadalupe County had a thriving economy with industries such as agriculture, oil and gas, and manufacturing.

Today, Guadalupe County retains its agricultural heritage while also being home to a diverse mix of industries and communities. It offers a unique blend of rural charm, natural beauty, and a growing suburban area. With its rich historical background and vibrant present, Guadalupe County remains an essential part of the Lone Star State.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Guadalupe County, Texas.

  • 1838: Guadalupe County is established as a county in the Republic of Texas.
  • 1846: Guadalupe County becomes a part of the state of Texas after Texas is annexed by the United States.
  • 1848: The county seat of Guadalupe County is established in Seguin.
  • 1861-1865: Guadalupe County is greatly affected by the American Civil War.
  • 1876: The courthouse in Seguin is destroyed by fire but is rebuilt the following year.
  • Late 1800s: The county experiences significant growth with the introduction of the railroad and the development of agriculture and industry.
  • Early 1900s: Guadalupe County experiences further growth with the discovery of oil and gas in the area.
  • 1930s-1940s: Guadalupe County suffers from the effects of the Great Depression and World War II.
  • 1960s-1970s: The county experiences growth and development with the construction of Interstate 10 and the expansion of the petrochemical industry.
  • 2000s: Guadalupe County continues to grow and attract new residents and businesses.