In the opening years of the 20th century, Nacogdoches residents set about convincing the Texas Legislature to open a state college in Nacogdoches. The group created an illustrated pamphlet titled "Twenty-Three Reasons Why Stephen F. Austin State Normal College Ought to be Located in Nacogdoches." Among these revelations were that the city offered a delightfully mild climate, cheap electricity and a good sewage system, rare natural beauty, a progressive business spirit, ample entertainment facilities, a high moral tone, and three two-story hotels. The 23rd reason given was that Nacogdoches "links old Texas with the new." The townspeople prided themselves on the high value they placed on education, and their hard work and ingenuity paid off. In 1917, Nacogdoches was selected as the site of the newly chartered school, but progress was delayed by World War I. On Sept. 18, 1923, SFA welcomed its first students to class, and the rest, as they say, is history. For more information about the 90th anniversary celebration, read the press release.