On Tuesday, May 20 at 10:00 AM, the James Haggard Chapter of the National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century will dedicate a new historic marker at the Durst-Taylor House and Gardens in downtown Nacogdoches. This dedication honors the long and layered history of the site and aligns with the Colonial Dames’ mission to
preserve historic places that reflect the early American experience. Members of the James Haggard Chapter chose the Durst-Taylor House for this recognition due to its significance as one of the oldest standing structures in Nacogdoches, dating back to circa 1835. The Durst-Taylor House, at 304 North St., is operated by the City of Nacogdoches Historic Sites Division and is open to the public for tours, school field trips, and community events. The home was built by Joseph Durst, an early
alcalde of Nacogdoches, and later owned by several notable figures, including Thomas J. Rusk, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence, and William Ochiltree, a delegate to the Provisional Congress of the Confederacy. In
1870, it was purchased by Lawrence Taylor, son of prominent Nacogdoches settler Charles S. Taylor; the Taylor family remained stewards of the home for more than a century. Founded in 1915, the National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century works to commemorate the noble and heroic deeds of early American ancestors. The James Haggard Chapter, based in Nacogdoches, was founded on November
15, 1958, by Hattie Longbotham Bates, a descendant of James Haggard, an early American settler and school teacher. The James Haggard Chapter of the Colonial Dames XVII Century welcomes prospective members interested in
historic preservation and genealogy. For more information about memberships, contact Connie Howe, Registrar Elect, at 936-558-3599. We look forward to seeing the community at the historic marker dedication ceremony on Tuesday, May 20, as we
celebrate this important piece of Nacogdoches history
Colonial Dames to Honor Durst-Taylor House with Historic Marker
