It is the mission of the Durst-Taylor House to research, collect, preserve and exhibit the history, artifacts, photographs and documents of the families associated with the house and site. The Durst-Taylor House & Gardens are restored to interpret the 1840-1860 time period and as such preserve and present local culture and history in a unique, educational and enjoyable manner.

Durst-Taylor Historic House and Gardens is a circa 1830's wood-frame house interpreted to the 1840 to 1860 time period when the Blackburn family lived there. The house is the second oldest structure still standing on its original site in Nacogdoches, TX. Eight families have owned the property starting in 1779 with Andres de Acosta. The current house was built circa 1835 when the Durst Family owned the property. There is evidence of another structure under the present house. Thomas J. Rusk owned the property for one month in 1845. The Taylor Family purchased to home in 1875 and they owned it till 1989. Visitors will start their tour at the Visitors Center and then will be guided through the house and grounds. The grounds include a blacksmith shop, smokehouse, and historic gardens.

The house was acquired by the city of Nacogdoches in 1996. In 2002 the restoration of the home by the city began. An open house was held in August with Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson officiating. We opened to the public October 24, 2006.