Texas has no shortage of oddly named towns— Bug Tussle, Happy, and Uncertain– to name a few. Quirky as they may sound, most of them are fairly simple to say out loud. There’s one exception, though, that routinely trips people up. A recent study by the language-learning platform Preply singled out Nacogdoches as the most difficult to pronounce name in the state.
Preply’s research, which examined online search trends to determine which place names Americans struggle with, found that Texans are most perplexed by this East Texas community.
How on earth do you pronounce “Nacogdoches”?
If you’re unsure, you’re not alone. Preply’s guide gives the pronunciation as “NAH-coh-DOE-chess”, with stress on the first and third syllables. Interestingly, this differs slightly from Google’s own version, which leans toward “nah-kuh-DOW-chuhs.” Either way, if you hear someone get it wrong, it’s an easy mistake to forgive.
How old is Nacogdoches?
Beyond its tongue-twisting name, Nacogdoches holds the distinction of being regarded by many historians as the oldest town in Texas. Its story stretches back more than a millennium to around 800 CE, when the area was home to the Caddo people, specifically the Nacogdoche tribe.
Centuries later, in 1779, Spanish settler Don Antonio Gil Y’Barbo formally established the community. Over time, nine different flags have flown over the town, reflecting its layered past.
What to see in Nacogdoches today
Just over two hours northeast of Houston, Nacogdoches is now celebrated for its rich cultural and historical heritage. Highlights include Millard’s Crossing Historic Village, where visitors can step into preserved 19th-century buildings and interactive exhibits.
Downtown’s brick-paved streets invite leisurely strolls past antique shops, local boutiques, and cozy cafés. And for those who prefer the outdoors, the Ray M. Mize Azalea Garden bursts with azaleas, camellias, and Japanese maples—an especially stunning sight each spring.