SFA Approves Plan to Relocate Historic Stone Fort Museum

The 1936 replica of the 18th-century fort may move off campus under university's new master plan.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Stephen F. Austin State University's Board of Regents has approved a campus master plan that includes relocating the school's Stone Fort Museum, a 1936 replica of an 18th-century fort in Nacogdoches, Texas. The move has drawn attention due to the historical significance and complexity of the structure, which was built using original materials from the demolished 1779 fort.

Why it matters

The Stone Fort Museum is a significant historical landmark on the SFA campus, and its relocation raises concerns about preserving the university's heritage. The move also highlights the challenges of relocating a structure built with 18th-century materials.

The details

The campus master plan outlines a 15- to 20-year vision for new residence halls, academic facilities, and infrastructure upgrades at SFA. University leaders say the relocation of the Stone Fort Museum is part of this broader plan to reshape the campus. Historians note that moving the museum is not as simple as demolishing and rebuilding, as the structure must be carefully disassembled and reconstructed piece by piece.

  • The SFA Board of Regents approved the campus master plan in February 2026.
  • The original 1779 fort in downtown Nacogdoches was demolished in 1902.
  • The current Stone Fort Museum replica was constructed in 1936 as part of the Texas Centennial celebration.

The players

Stephen F. Austin State University

A public university located in Nacogdoches, Texas, that is reshaping its campus under a new master plan.

Scott Sosebee

Director of the East Texas Historical Association, who has commented on the complexity of relocating the Stone Fort Museum.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“You can't just take a wrecking ball, knock it down and put it back up downtown. You have to take it apart piece by piece.”

— Scott Sosebee, Director, East Texas Historical Association (chron.com)

“They should have kept it clean around and just built around it. Moving it takes away from the history.”

— Anonymous commenter (Daily Sentinel Facebook post)

What’s next

SFA officials have not provided a timeline or cost estimate for relocating the Stone Fort Museum, but the university has signed a letter of intent for the city of Nacogdoches to assume ownership of the museum.

The takeaway

The relocation of the Stone Fort Museum highlights the delicate balance between preserving historical landmarks and adapting campus infrastructure to meet modern needs. As SFA embarks on its campus transformation, the university must carefully consider the cultural and educational value of the museum while also addressing the practical challenges of its relocation.