Nacogdoches History Talk: The Life of Father Margil, Presented by Father George Elliott
January 20, 2026 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
The City of Nacogdoches Historic Sites will host a history talk examining the life and legacy of Antonio Margil de Jesús and his connection to early Nacogdoches. The talk will be presented by Father George Elliott, pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Parish in Nacogdoches. The program will take place on Tuesday, January 20, at 6:30 p.m. at Zion Hill Baptist Church, located at 324 North Lanana Street.
Father Margil was a Spanish Catholic missionary in Nacogdoches, and this program will explore his life and the impact of his work on the city’s early history. While many in Nacogdoches are familiar with the name Margil, this talk will offer a closer look at who he was, why he came to the area, and how his presence fits into the broader historical story of the community.
The year 2026 marks the 300th anniversary of Antonio Margil’s death in 1726, making this program a timely opportunity to reflect on his place in Nacogdoches history and the Spanish colonial period in East Texas.
One of the most recognizable locations associated with Margil, known as The Eyes of Father Margil, is located nearby along the Lanana Creek Trail, just a short distance from Zion Hill. The proximity of this site provides a meaningful geographic connection between the talk’s location and the early history being discussed.
This program is free and open to the public, and no registration is required. The talk will begin at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit nactx.us/historicsites or call 936-560-4441.
