Goodman's Crossing
Mount Sterling, also known as Aldridge's, Goodman's Crossing, and Mount Huling, was an early riverport on the Angelina River seven miles south of the site of what is now the State Highway 21 bridge in western Nacogdoches County. The settlement was founded in 1837 by John M. Durst near the ruins of the Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción de Maria Mission. Durst built a saw and grist mill and a large storehouse and in 1838 contracted to purchase $30,000 worth of merchandise to supply early settlers. He also constructed a toll bridge over the Angelina, connecting two sections of El Camino Real (also known as the Old San Antonio Road) with Mount Sterling. Durst's large home, which overlooked the river below, was used as a sanctuary during Cherokee raids. A post office operated at the community from 1837 to 1840, but Indian raids and the Cordova rebellion in 1838 made life hazardous in the new town. Durst abandoned the settlement around 1840 and moved to Leon County; within a few years Mount Sterling had been abandoned. Since then the area has been variously known as Aldridge's, Goodman's Crossing, and Mount Huling.
Christopher Long | © TSHA
Adapted from the official Handbook of Texas, a state encyclopedia developed by Texas State Historical Association (TSHA). It is an authoritative source of trusted historical records.
- ✅ Adoption Status:
Belongs to
Goodman's Crossing is part of or belongs to the following places:
Currently Exists
No
Place type
Goodman's Crossing is classified as a Town
Associated Names
- (Mount Sterling)
Has Post Office
No
Is Incorporated
No