Jul312027
Battle of Nacogdoches Commemoration
195th anniversary program at Festival Park. Free and open to the public.
Event website →
Who We Are
The Sons of the Republic of Texas
PurposeThe purpose of the SRT shall be to perpetuate the memory and spirit of the men and women who achieved the independence of Texas, set the young Republic upon its high course among the nations of the world, and finally secured its admission as a state of the United States of America.
Sons of the Republic of Texas, srttexas.org
MissionThe mission of the SRT shall be to:
- Encourage research and publication of historical records and documents prior to and during the Republic of Texas.
- Foster the preservation of historic sites, documents, and artifacts, prior to February 19, 1846.
- Participate in community activities, reminding the public of its Republic of Texas heritage.
- Organize, promote, publicize and commemorate the observance of the following historical dates of the Republic of Texas.
See key Republic of Texas dates in our Texas history calendar.
Chapter Meetings
Our next meeting
Meetings are open to members, prospective members and guests. Come meet the chapter and learn more about Texas history.
- Date
- To be announced TBA
- Time
- To be announced TBA
- Location
- To be announced TBA
- Program
- Speaker and topic to be announced
Featured event · 195th anniversary
The Battle of Nacogdoches
On August 2, 1832, Nacogdoches settlers refused to surrender their arms and drove the Mexican garrison from town. Join us as we commemorate what has been called the "opening gun of the Texas Revolution."
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Our Namesake · 1801–1852
Who was Adolphus Sterne?
Nicholas Adolphus Sterne was born April 5, 1801, in Cologne, Germany. He emigrated to New Orleans in 1817 and settled in Nacogdoches in 1826, where he opened a mercantile business and became one of the town's leading citizens.
During the Fredonian Rebellion he smuggled weapons to the rebels hidden in barrels of coffee. He was arrested and sentenced to death for treason, but was released, reportedly with help from fellow Freemasons. In 1835 he personally financed two companies of volunteers from New Orleans, later known as the New Orleans Greys, who fought for Texas independence.
Sam Houston boarded with the Sterne family when he came to Nacogdoches and was baptized in their parlor, with Sterne's wife Eva as his godmother. Under the Republic, Sterne served as a militia commander, postmaster and justice of the peace. After annexation he served in the Texas House of Representatives and was elected to the Texas Senate in 1851. He died in New Orleans on March 27, 1852, while on a business trip, and was later buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in Nacogdoches.
His home, the Sterne-Hoya House, still stands in Nacogdoches today.
Born April 5 in Cologne, Germany
Arrives in New Orleans
Settles in Nacogdoches and opens a store
Marries Eva Catherine Rosine Ruff
Finances the New Orleans Greys
Elected to the Texas Senate
Dies March 27 in New Orleans
Chapter Leadership
Officers
Current chapter officers.
Vice PresidentTo be named
SecretaryDon Whitehead
ChaplainTo be named
Beyond Our Meetings
Events & upcoming activities
Commemorations, ceremonies and community events the chapter is planning.
Explore Nacogdoches
Historic sites to visit
Nacogdoches is the oldest town in Texas. These sites tell the story of our namesake, the 1832 battle and the Republic era.
Sterne-Hoya House Museum & Library
Adolphus Sterne's own home, where Sam Houston was baptized. One of the oldest homes in Nacogdoches.
View on Google MapsHistoric Downtown & Town Square
The streets and square where Texians fought the Mexican garrison on August 2, 1832.
View on Google MapsOak Grove Cemetery
Resting place of Adolphus Sterne and several signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence.
View on Google MapsStone Fort Museum
A reconstruction of the Old Stone Fort, a landmark of the 1832 battle, on the Stephen F. Austin State University campus.
View on Google MapsDurst-Taylor Historic House & Gardens
One of the oldest homes in town, with period gardens and exhibits on early Nacogdoches life.
View on Google MapsOld Nacogdoches University Building
A Greek Revival landmark in Washington Square, built for a university first chartered by the Republic of Texas.
View on Google Maps
Mark Your Calendar
Texas history calendar
Key dates from the road to independence and the life of the Republic. The next date coming up is highlighted.
Membership
Join the chapter
Who can join?
Membership in the Sons of the Republic of Texas is open to men who are direct descendants of someone who lived in Texas before it joined the United States in 1846.
- Learn about eligibility and the application on the national SRT website.
- Use their genealogy resources to trace and document your Texas ancestor.
- Contact us and we'll help you through the process.
Contact the chapter
Questions about meetings, membership or events? Send us an email.
PatrickBNewsome@gmail.com