Old Nacogdoches University Building
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Why it's listed
Built in 1858-1859, this two-story red brick building on Washington Square in Nacogdoches is the surviving main hall of Nacogdoches University. Its temple form, four Tuscan columns, pediment and octagonal bell tower topped with a carved wooden pineapple reflect Greek style and Jeffersonian classicism, similar to rural Virginia courthouses of the early nineteenth century. The university was chartered in 1845 and was probably the first nonsectarian institution of higher learning in Texas, open to students regardless of religious belief. It operated, with brief interruptions, until 1895. During the Civil War the buildings served as a hospital and quarters for Confederate soldiers, and during Reconstruction as headquarters for a Federal regiment. The property passed to the Nacogdoches Independent School District in 1904. It is the only original university building remaining, and it was restored in the 1960s for use as a library and museum.
Significance in brief: Nacogdoches University, chartered in 1845, was probably the first nonsectarian institution of higher learning in Texas, and the 1858 main building is the only original university building that remains. The building is also noted for Greek Revival design with strong Jeffersonian classicism, comparable to Virginia Piedmont courthouses.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 71000956, listed June 21, 1971. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | Washington Sq., Nacogdoches |
|---|---|
| County | Nacogdoches County |
| Listed | June 21, 1971 |
| Reference number | 71000956 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 19th Century (specific date 1858) |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival temple form with Tuscan detailing, showing a strong relationship to Jeffersonian classicism |
| Areas of significance | Education, Architecture |
| Level of significance | State |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Restored in the 1960s; in excellent condition, unaltered and on its original site, open to the public as a museum and library. |
| Acreage | 1 |
| Within district | Washington Square Historic District |
| Coordinates | 31.60693, -94.65152 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
For a publicly owned building or structure, listing mainly matters when federal funds, permits or licences are involved: projects then go through Section 106 review so effects on the property are considered. Listing also strengthens applications for preservation grants and, for leased income-producing uses, can enable the federal rehabilitation tax credit.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 71000956.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikidata Q107321721
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.