Nacogdoches County vs. Floyd County
Oldest Town & Pumpkin Capital
The week concludes with a contrast between the oldest town in Texas and the Pumpkin Capital of the USA. Nacogdoches County, in the Piney Woods, is a cradle of Texas history and home to Stephen F. Austin State University. Floyd County, on the Llano Estacado, is an agricultural powerhouse famous for its autumn harvest. One is defined by brick streets and towering pines; the other by pumpkin patches and cotton rows. Both are communities rooted in the land and their unique claims to fame.
Nacogdoches County (Population Approx. 65,000)
Nacogdoches County proudly claims the title of "The Oldest Town in Texas." Anchored by the city of Nacogdoches and SFA University, the economy is a mix of higher education, tourism, and agriculture (poultry and timber). The vibe is charming and historic, with brick streets and azalea gardens. Challenges include leveraging its history for economic growth, retaining university graduates, and addressing poverty rates in rural areas.
Floyd County (Population Approx. 5,400)
Floyd County is famous as the "Pumpkin Capital of the USA." Floydada and Lockney serve as the hubs for a region that produces millions of pumpkins every fall, along with cotton and grain. The community is deeply agricultural, friendly, and proud of its niche in the state's economy. Residents face the challenges of water conservation, fluctuating crop prices, and maintaining services for a declining rural population.
Why It Matters
Nacogdoches preserves the founding stories of Texas and educates the next generation. Floyd County provides a specialized but vital agricultural product (and joy for millions of families in October). Both counties need state support to maintain their infrastructure: whether it's historic preservation grants or farm-to-market road repairs.
Why Forward
Forward believes that the historian in Nacogdoches and the pumpkin farmer in Floydada deserve a government that respects their contributions.
In Nacogdoches County, the university population adds a dynamic element to the electorate. Open Primaries would allow students and faculty to participate fully in local elections alongside long-time residents, fostering a more representative democracy. Ranked Choice Voting would help bridge the gap between town and gown, encouraging collaboration on housing and economic development.
In Floyd County, specialized agriculture needs a voice. Ranked Choice Voting gives rural voters the power to elect candidates who understand the specific needs of niche farming communities,like labor and water,without being drowned out by urban issues. It ensures that the Pumpkin Capital keeps growing.
Did You Know…
Nacogdoches is considered the oldest town in Texas, with evidence of settlement dating back 10,000 years and official Spanish founding in 1779.
Floydada (Floyd) is known as the "Pumpkin Capital of the USA," producing a significant portion of the nation's pumpkins.
Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches is famous for its beautiful campus and forestry program.
Floyd County was the site of the discovery of the Plainview Point, an ancient spear point that redefined North American archaeology.
Nacogdoches has nine flags that have flown over it, compared to the six over the rest of Texas.
Why Texans Love Living Here
Nacogdoches residents love the azalea trails in spring, the Lumberjack spirit of SFA, and the feeling of walking through history every day. Floyd locals love the cool crisp air of harvest season, the vibrant orange of the pumpkin fields, and the tight-knit support of their neighbors.
Key Events That Bring Neighbors Together
Texas Blueberry Festival (Nacogdoches): A delicious June festival celebrating the local blueberry harvest with music and food.
Punkin Days (Floydada): An October celebration of the pumpkin harvest with games, contests, and famous pumpkin pie.
Nine Flags Christmas Festival (Nacogdoches): A holiday celebration honoring the town's unique history.
Old Settlers Reunion (Floydada): A tradition bringing families back together to celebrate their roots.
People & Tech Created This
The profiles and shared challenges were gathered from Texas Forward Party supporters and written using ChatGPT and Gemini models to combine verified public data, official county/state sources, and general knowledge from Texas historical and government records:
