Nacogdoches University

Nacogdoches University opened its doors in 1845 to "the children of persons of all classes, without regard to their religious belief," likely making it the first non-sectarian university in Texas. Except for brief closures, the university remained operational until 1895. Control, however, changed hands several times. The Catholic Church managed the university from 1870 until 1873 and in 1875 the Freemasons' Milam Lodge Number 2 took control. In 1887, Keachi College of Keachi, Louisiana, leased the property, though the name returned to Nacogdoches University in 1889. In 1895 the second charter was allowed to expire when it became clear the instruction could not continue at a university level.

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