10 Oldest Cities in Texas

Texas may be famous for its modern cities and booming suburbs, but some of its communities have been around for more than 300 years. From Spanish missions along the Rio Grande to early settlements in East Texas, these places played an important role in shaping the state long before Texas became a republic.

Here are 10 of the oldest cities and established communities in Texas, starting with some of the earliest settlements.

1. Ysleta / El Paso — 1680

Long before modern El Paso became one of Texas' largest cities, the Ysleta community was established along the Rio Grande.

Ysleta dates to 1680, when Spanish settlers and Tigua Indians fleeing the Pueblo Revolt in New Mexico arrived in the El Paso area. The National Park Service describes Ysleta as the oldest continuously occupied settlement in Texas. The community's historic mission, Ysleta Mission, remains an important reminder of that history today.

It's worth noting that the history of the El Paso area goes back even further, with Spanish settlement in the broader region dating to the mid-1600s.

2. San Antonio — 1718

San Antonio was officially founded in 1718, making it one of the most historically significant cities in Texas.

The settlement grew around a Spanish mission, presidio and civilian community. Mission San Antonio de Valero, better known today as the Alamo, became one of the most recognizable historic sites in the United States.

San Antonio eventually grew from a small Spanish colonial settlement into one of the country's largest cities, while still retaining many reminders of its early history.

3. Goliad — 1749

Goliad traces its roots to the Spanish colonial period. The Presidio La Bahía was established at its present location in 1749, helping create an important Spanish settlement in South Texas.

The community later became deeply connected to the Texas Revolution. The Goliad Campaign and the 1836 Goliad Massacre made the town an important part of Texas history.

Today, Goliad remains a small community, but its historic significance is much bigger than its size might suggest. The Texas Historical Commission still recognizes Presidio La Bahía as an important Spanish colonial site.

4. Laredo — 1755

Laredo was established in 1755 as a Spanish colonial settlement along the Rio Grande.

Unlike many early Texas settlements that later disappeared or moved, Laredo continued to develop and remains one of the state's major border cities.

Its location made it an important center for trade and transportation between Texas and Mexico. According to the Texas State Historical Association, Laredo began as a pueblo in 1755 and later acquired a mission.

Today, Laredo is best known as one of the busiest international trade hubs along the U.S.-Mexico border.

5. Nacogdoches — 1779

Located in East Texas, Nacogdoches was established in 1779 and has strong connections to the area's earlier Spanish and Caddo history.

The community developed near the site of an earlier Caddo settlement and became an important stopping point along the routes connecting East Texas with the rest of the region.

Nacogdoches is often described as the oldest town in Texas, although that claim depends on how “oldest” is defined. Several Texas communities have earlier settlement dates, while Nacogdoches has a particularly long history as an established town.

Its historic downtown and surrounding area still reflect its role as one of East Texas' earliest communities.

6. San Augustine — 1779

San Augustine was also established in 1779, making it one of the oldest communities in East Texas.

Located near the Louisiana border, the town developed during the Spanish colonial period and later became an important stop for travelers moving between Louisiana and Texas.

Today, San Augustine is a small town, but its historic streets and buildings offer a glimpse into the early days of settlement in East Texas.

7. Houston — 1836

Houston is considerably younger than the Spanish-era settlements on this list, but its role in Texas history is hard to overlook.

The city was founded in 1836, the same year Texas declared independence from Mexico. It was named after Sam Houston, the military leader who became the first president of the Republic of Texas.

Houston quickly developed because of its location near Buffalo Bayou and its access to the Gulf of Mexico. Over the following decades, it transformed into a major commercial center.

Today, Houston is one of the largest cities in the United States and one of the most economically important cities in Texas.

8. Galveston — 1839

Galveston's modern city history dates to 1839, when the city was formally established during the Republic of Texas era.

Its location on Galveston Island made it particularly valuable as a port. During the 19th century, Galveston became one of the most important commercial centers in Texas.

The city also has one of the state's most distinctive collections of historic architecture. Its history includes devastating hurricanes, including the catastrophic 1900 storm, which remains one of the deadliest natural disasters in U.S. history.

Today, Galveston's historic districts, beaches and waterfront continue to attract visitors from across Texas and beyond.

9. Austin — 1839

Austin was founded in 1839 when the Republic of Texas selected the area along the Colorado River for its new capital.

The city was originally called Waterloo before being renamed in honor of Stephen F. Austin.

Unlike the older Spanish settlements on this list, Austin is a product of the Republic of Texas period. It eventually grew from a relatively small frontier capital into the state's political and cultural center.

Today, the Texas Capitol and surrounding historic areas remain reminders of Austin's beginnings as the capital of the young Republic.

10. Bastrop — 1827

Bastrop actually predates Austin, Houston and Galveston, with its settlement established in 1827.

Located along the Colorado River, Bastrop developed as part of Stephen F. Austin's colony and became an important early Anglo-American settlement in Texas.

The city still has a historic downtown and numerous older buildings, giving it a very different atmosphere from Texas' rapidly growing metropolitan areas.

Its location east of Austin also makes Bastrop an interesting example of how some of Texas' oldest communities have managed to preserve their historic character while becoming part of a rapidly growing region.

Texas Has a Much Older History Than Its Cities

One thing that makes ranking the oldest cities in Texas tricky is that settlement dates, town founding dates and incorporation dates aren't always the same thing.

Texas was home to Native American communities for thousands of years before European colonization. Spanish missions and settlements appeared centuries ago, and many communities changed names, moved locations or developed gradually rather than being founded on one specific day.

The Texas Historical Commission and Texas State Historical Association document thousands of historic sites, markers and communities across the state, helping preserve that complicated history.

So while the exact order can vary depending on how you define “oldest,” one thing is certain: Texas' oldest communities tell a story that goes far beyond the state's famous cowboy and frontier history.