Nacogdoches University

Duane's take

The way the marker tells it, and the way I'm about to tell it to you, this is the story of Nacogdoches University. Now hold on to that name, because what happened to this place is one of those quiet Texas tales that sneaks up on you. On February 3, 1845, an independent board incorporated a pioneer co-educational institution right here in Nacogdoches County.

Co-educational, mind you. That wasn't something everybody was doing in 1845. This board wasn't waiting around either.

They moved fast, secured four leagues of land for the university's support, and by September of that same year, the doors were open. Four leagues of land. That's no small gesture.

Somebody believed in this place. The man they put at the head of it all was Marcus A. Montrose, described as an outstanding early Texas educator.

First President of Nacogdoches University. That's a title worth carrying. Now here's where the story takes its turn, and it's the kind of turn that doesn't announce itself with any fanfare.

Nacogdoches University didn't close in a fire or a scandal or a storm. It was eventually absorbed by the public school system. Quietly folded in.

The institution that opened its doors in September of 1845, that sat on four leagues of land, that was led by one of early Texas's most respected educators, became part of something larger. Some might call that an ending. Maybe it's more honest to call it a transformation.

The State of Texas saw fit to erect a marker here in 1936, making sure the story of Nacogdoches University didn't get absorbed along with everything else.

What the marker says

A pioneer co-educational institution incorporated by an independent board February 3, 1845. Granted four leagues of land for its support. Opened September, 1845. Eventually absorbed by the public school system. Marcus A. Montrose, an outstanding early Texas educator, was its first President. Erected by the State of Texas 1936