The 8 Oldest Cities in Texas
Most people think Nacogdoches is the oldest city in Texas—but the honor actually belongs to Presidio, which was first settled in 1535!
Written by Samuel Todd
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Table of Contents
- 1. Presidio
- 2. Ysleta
- 3. Nacogdoches
- 4. San Augustine
- 5. San Antonio
- 6. Austin
- 7. Goliad
- 8. Gonzales
- The future of car insurance shopping
- FAQs
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Though
Nacogdoches
is commonly known as the oldest city in Texas
, the honor actually belongs to Presidio, which was first settled in the early 1500s.From the arrival of the first European settlers in 1528 to the Battle of the Alamo in 1836, few states have a history as rich as the Lone Star State’s. Sure, the nation’s first colony was in
Virginia
, and California
is famous for the Gold Rush—but trust us, Texas has some of the oldest and most fascinating cities in the nation.Whether you’re planning a historic road trip or just hoping to settle a debate with your buddies,
car insurance
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has you covered. We’ll tour the oldest towns in Texas, break down what makes each one special, and even show you how our super app
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1. Presidio
Year established or settled: 1535
Year officially founded: 1848
Population: 3,928 (2020)
What makes it interesting:
Led by the influential Spanish explorer
Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca
, the first European settlers arrived in Presidio in 1535. When he and his companions came across the pueblo, they placed a cross on the nearby mountainside and named the villageLa Junta De Las Cruces (“The Meeting of the Crosses”).Though the Spaniards settled Presidio in the early 1500s, the village belonged to Native Americans for thousands of years prior. Over the next few hundred years, partially due to tensions between settlers and the Inidgenous nations, the village would change names multiple times, until it was officially founded as Presidio in 1848.
Today,
Presidio
is known for its rugged, vibrant landscapes—perfect inspiration for aspiring artists or outdoor enthusiasts. Legend has it that the location is also a paranormal hotspot, marked by UFO landings, mining ghost towns, and “Mexico’s Bermuda Triangle.”While we can neither confirm nor deny this information, we think it’s well worth a visit if you find yourself in the arid lands of West Texas.
MORE:
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2. Ysleta
Year established or settled: 1680
Year officially founded: 1880
Population: Unspecified—Ysleta is now a region instead of a city
What makes it interesting:
We never said this article would be without controversy! Though Ysleta was settled nearly 150 years after Presidio, the town also claims to be the oldest European settlement in present-day Texas. Why? Well, it all comes down to the definition of “settlement.”
Though Cabeza de Vaca passed through Presidio during his travels, the village of Ysleta provided refuge to Spanish conquistadors, Franciscan clerics, and Tigua Indians during the Pueblo Revolt in
New Mexico
. Because it was a long-term refugee camp, and not just a pit stop on the road, Ysleta makes a great case for its status as the oldest settlement in Texas.So, who wins? Up to you! For our part, we think that the arrival and presence of multiple Spanish explorers in Presidio earns it the rightful honor of “oldest town in Texas”—but Ysleta is a close second.
3. Nacogdoches
Year established or settled: 1716
Year officially founded: 1779
Population: 32,912 (2020)
What makes it interesting:
Founded in 1779,
Nacogdoches
is famously known as the oldest town in Texas—but technically speaking, that’s not quite true! If we sound like a broken record, give us a chance to explain.Nacogdoches has the richest history in Texas, beginning thousands of years ago with the Caddo Indians. It has been under nine different flags, including French, Spanish, and Mexican flags, which is three more than the state of Texas itself! However, while Nacogdoches has a fascinating heritage, it’s actually the third-oldest city in the Lone Star State.
Regardless of its history, Nacogdoches is a fantastic travel destination, brimming with fishing, boating, hiking, and art shows. If you’re in town during the spring, be sure to check out the
Nacogdoches Azalea Trail
and the Mast Arboretum
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Year established or settled: 1717
Year officially founded: 1833
Population: 1,920 (2020)
What makes it interesting:
Just east of Nacogdoches, you’ll find another pillar of Texas history:
San Augustine
. Sure, the lakes and national forests in the area are excellent for exploration, but the real gem of San Augustine is the Mission Dolores State Historic Site
. Built in 1721, this Spanish mission-turned-museum tells the story of Native Americans’ interactions with early Texas settlers. After you’ve toured the site (and brushed up on your history!), you can spend time at the picnic area, play a round of frisbee golf, or set up your RV or
car for overnight camping
.5. San Antonio
Year established or settled: 1718
Year officially founded: 1718
Population: 1,529,000 (2020)
What makes it interesting:
From the
top-rated riverwalk
to the bustling Botanical Garden
, San Antonio
is one of the most famous cities in Texas. Before it was a booming urban mecca, though, the city was first a modest Spanish settlement named Mission San Antonio de Valero—later called “TheAlamo.”And what good would an article on Texas history be without a mention of the historic Battle of the Alamo? After a thirteen-day siege, the Mexican Army defeated the defenders of the Alamo, leaving nearly 200 Texans—including legendary frontiersman Davy Crockett—dead. However, the Texans would eventually go on to win the war, ending the Texas Rebellion in favor of the Republic of Texas.
6. Austin
Year established or settled: 1730s
Year officially founded: 1839
Population: 965,872 (2020)
What makes it interesting:
World-class concerts,
slow-roasted brisket
, the Texas Capitol building
—the list of things that make Austin
interesting goes on and on. Just like San Antonio, though, Austin wasn’t always the thriving city that it is today.The first people to visit the banks of the Colorado River were nomadic tribes of Tonkawas, Comanches, and Lipan Apaches. Hundreds of years later, in the 1700s, the Spanish set up temporary settlements in the area—which was later named Waterloo by Anglo-Americans. In 1839, the small city of Waterloo was chosen to be the capital of the Republic of Texas, and was renamed in honor of Stephen F. Austin, “the Father of Texas.”
7. Goliad
Year established or settled: 1749
Year officially founded: 1836
Population: 1,620 (2020)
What makes it interesting:
The story behind Goliad begins with a name: Father Miguel Hidalgo, an influential figure in the Mexican War of Independence. If you drop the silent H from Hidalgo’s last name and rearrange the letters, you end up with “Goliad”—an anagrammatic tribute to the patriot priest that has lasted almost 200 years.
Today, you can visit
Presidio La Bahía
and tour the stone walls and cannons constructed by the Spanish Army way back in 1747!8. Gonzales
Year established or settled: 1825
Year officially founded: 1825
Population: 7,573 (2020)
What makes it interesting:
Though it’s not the oldest city in Texas,
Gonzales
has one of the coolest backstories in the Lone Star State—and it all starts with a loaned cannon.In the 1830s, Mexican authorities gave the settlers of Gonzales a cannon to aid in their defense against Comanche raids. Over the next few years, the relationship between the Mexican Army and the Texan settlers deteriorated, and the commander of Mexican troops requested the cannon back.
Instead of returning the weapon, the settlers of Gonzales secretly requested soldiers from neighboring towns, amassing a militia of nearly 140 Texans. In a display of defiance, they taunted the Mexican Army with a custom flag design: a drawing of the cannon, with the words “Come and Take It” written underneath. After several hours of firing, the Mexican Army retreated, marking a victory for the Gonzales settlers in the first battle of the
Texas Revolution
. MORE: 8 easy tips for saving money on car insurance
The future of car insurance shopping
Now that we’ve gone a few hundred years back in time, let’s take a look at the future—specifically, the future of car insurance shopping! If that doesn’t sound super exciting to you, give us 30 seconds to explain.
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FAQs
What is the oldest city in Texas?
Though Nacogdoches is usually cited as the oldest city in Texas, the honor actually belongs to Presidio, which was settled by Europeans in 1535.
When did Texas become a state?
Texas was granted statehood on December 29, 1845, partially due to support from then President-elect James K. Polk.
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