Nacogdoches has been called the oldest town in Texas, but its influence is anything but old. The city has produced figures who left marks in science, politics, sports, and the arts. From Capitol Hill to World Cups, and from Major League diamonds to music stages, these ten names show how far talent from East Texas can travel.
10. Bucky Brandon (1940–)
Brandon grew up in Nacogdoches and went on to pitch in the Major Leagues from 1966 to 1973. He broke in with the Boston Red Sox before spending time with the Seattle Pilots, Minnesota Twins, and Philadelphia Phillies. Known as a dependable arm, he racked up over 350 strikeouts during his career, putting Nacogdoches on the MLB map.
9. Kasey Lansdale (1988–)
Singer-songwriter Kasey Lansdale blends country and Americana with a flair that carries her East Texas roots. The daughter of famed author Joe R. Lansdale, she built her own path in music with albums and tours across the U.S. and Europe. Beyond performing, she has worked in writing and production, extending the creative reach of her Nacogdoches upbringing.
8. Oscar P. Austin (1948–1969)
A Nacogdoches native, Austin became a U.S. Marine and showed extraordinary heroism in Vietnam. He gave his life protecting a fellow Marine under heavy fire and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His name continues to resonate as one of Nacogdoches’ most solemn reminders of sacrifice and courage in service.
7. Joseph W. Kennedy (1916–1957)
Born in Nacogdoches, Kennedy studied at Stephen F. Austin State Teachers College before advancing into groundbreaking scientific work. In 1940, he co-discovered plutonium, a discovery that shaped modern nuclear research. Though his life was cut short, his work continues to stand as one of the most impactful scientific achievements to trace back to East Texas.
6. Lera Millard Thomas (1900–1993)
Raised in the Old North Church community outside Nacogdoches, Thomas made history in 1966 as the first woman from Texas elected to Congress. She succeeded her late husband in the House of Representatives, serving out his term while advancing Houston-area projects. Her journey from Nacogdoches High to Washington marked a groundbreaking moment for women in Texas politics.
5. Albert Thomas (1898–1966)
Also born in Nacogdoches, Thomas rose to prominence as a long-serving Congressman. He is widely credited with securing Houston’s place as the home of NASA’s Manned Spacecraft Center, laying the groundwork for Texas’s central role in space exploration. His legacy connects East Texas roots to the national space program.
4. Philip Humber (1983–)
Humber was born in Nacogdoches and made baseball history on April 21, 2012, when he threw a perfect game for the Chicago White Sox. A right-hander with a steady career, he also pitched for the Mets, Royals, and Astros. That rare achievement — only the 21st in MLB history at the time — ensures his name will always stand out.
3. Brandon Belt (1988–)
Belt was born in Nacogdoches and became a cornerstone of the San Francisco Giants’ lineup. Nicknamed “The Captain,” he played a key role in winning two World Series championships in 2012 and 2014. Known for his leadership and powerful bat, Belt remains one of Nacogdoches’ most celebrated modern athletes.
2. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (2002–)
Smith-Njigba was born in Nacogdoches and has quickly risen as one of the NFL’s most promising wide receivers. Drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the first round of the 2023 draft, he has already built a reputation for clutch performances and dynamic playmaking. He represents the next generation of sports stars from the city.
1. Clint Dempsey (1983–)
Widely regarded as one of the greatest American soccer players, Dempsey grew up in Nacogdoches before making his mark on the world stage. He played in three World Cups, starred with Fulham in the English Premier League, and tied for the U.S. men’s all-time scoring record. His rise from East Texas to global soccer fame still inspires.
Last Updated on May 5, 2026 by F.E.M