Nicholas Adolphus Sterne built the house in 1830. It is the oldest structure still standing on its original site in Nacogdoches.
Sam Houston was baptized a Catholic in this house, Thomas J. Rusk was a frequent guest, Davy Crockett spent a fortnight on his way to the Alamo, and Chief Bowles of the Cherokee signed a peace treaty here.
The Sterne-Hoya House was built in 1830 by Nicolas Adolphus Sterne (1801-1852), an immigrant from Germany who settled in Nacogdoches in 1824. Sterne was active in early revolutionary events including the Fredonia Rebellion of 1826 and the Battle of Nacogdoches in 1832. His house was a meeting place for political, military, and social life in East Texas from early colonization until after the Texas Revolution. Believed to be the oldest frame house of major historical significance still standing on its original site in Texas, the Sterne house is now a museum and library displaying documents and relics of this period including Sam Houston's sword and Adolphus Sterne's diary which details an account of extraordinary life during the times.
Tradition has it that it was in the Sterne home in 1836, with Mrs. Sterne as his godmother, that Sam Houston was baptized according to the rites of the Catholic church. Under Mexican rule, residents of Texas had to be Catholic in order to own land and hold office.
Frame house built in 1828 by Adolphus Sterne, who is probably best known for his efforts toward financing the Texas Revolution.
The Houston Post. Wednesday, April 22, 1959. Adolphus Sterne Home Again "Open to World". Nacogdoches -- "The door of Adolphus Sterne was ever open to the world." . . . The house has five large rooms plus an entrance hall, an L-shaped back porch, sun room, and old-fashioned gallery across the front.
