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Early RepublicColonial America

Home of Adolphus Sterne

Nacogdoches, Nacogdoches County, Texas

Marker Inscription

A pioneer citizen of Nacogdoches. Born in Cologne, Germany, April 5, 1801. Alcalde at Nacogdoches under the Mexican government. Member of the Congress of the Republic of Texas. Died March 27, 1852. Buried in Nacogdoches. Here General Sam Houston made his home both before and after his marriage. The door of Adolphus Sterne was ever open to all the world. Erected by the State of Texas 1836

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

Adolphus Sterne, born in Cologne in 1801, became one of Nacogdoches's most influential citizens—serving as alcalde under Mexican rule and later as a member of the Congress of the Republic of Texas. His home was famous for its open door, and General Sam Houston lodged here both before and after his marriage. Sterne died in 1852 and lies buried in the town he helped shape.

Why it matters

Sterne embodies the immigrant statesmen who bridged Mexican Texas and the young Republic, and his hospitable home became a gathering place for the leaders of a nation-in-the-making.

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Related people

  • · Adolphus Sterne
  • · Gen. Sam Houston

Related events

  • · Congress of the Republic of Texas

Themes & tags

Westward ExpansionImmigrationFrontier HistoryHome

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