OUR MISSION
The mission of Millard's Crossing Historic Village
is to portray the spirit and ingenuity of pioneer settlement
in East Texas and to connect present generations to those of the past.
​
About Millard’s Crossing​
​
No visit to the oldest town in Texas is complete without a tour of Millard’s Crossing Historic Village. We invite you to experience our interactive, engaging, and educational guided tours. Guided tours are available by reservation, and walk-in visitors are welcome when a volunteer guide is available. Each tour is thoughtfully tailored to the ages and interests of our guests to ensure a meaningful experience. Self-guided tour maps are available in the Visitor’s Center.​
The charming reconstructed historic village in Nacogdoches is a unique museum complex that highlights the rich architectural heritage of 19th-century East Texas, featuring everything from rustic log cabins to elegant Victorian homes, lovingly restored by Lera Millard Thomas. Here, visitors can explore early building, antiques, and memorabilia that tell the story of our past and celebrate the remarkable legacy created by the first Congress Woman from Texas to serve in the United States of America.​
Dedicated to preserving history and heritage, Millard’s Crossing Historic Village brings the past to life through its restored buildings and interactive exhibits. Our mission is to educate and inspire visitors of all ages about our rich cultural legacy of this region. Join us in our efforts to safeguard our history for future generations.​​
​
​
Be sure to stop by for a few minutes to say hello and sign our guest book! If we happen to be giving a tour or working on the grounds, you may not find us at the front desk. However, a self-service station is available at the front door, featuring maps and a donation/admission box.
Lera Millard Thomas
Founder of
Millard’s Crossing
Historic Village
Click image to see entire photo.
Lera Millard was born to Annie Donnell Watkins and Jesse Waldington Thomas on August 3, 1900, in Nacogdoches, Texas. She attended Brenau College in Gainesville, Georgia, and the University of Alabama. Lera and Albert Langston Thomas married in 1922 and had three children: James ‘Jim’ Nelson, Anne, and Lera. The couple first moved to Houston where Mrs. Thomas was a member of the Houston League of Voters. When Albert was elected to Congress in 1936, the family moved to Washington, D.C.
​
On February 15, 1966, Albert Thomas died and a special election was called for March 26, 1966, to elect another Representative. Lera Millard Thomas was the first woman elected to Congress from the State of Texas when she was elected as a Democrat in the special election to succeed her deceased husband. She received over 74% of the vote against Republican Louis Leman who urged voters to vote for the Widow Thomas. She served on the Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee to support the expansion of the Houston Ship Channel. Because he died after filing for office in 1966, Albert Thomas's name remained on the Democratic Primary ballot for the 8th District, and his widow determined that she would not seek a full term for 1967. After serving the remainder of her husband's term, Thomas left Congress on January 3, 1967. Upon completion of her term, Lera served as a special liaison for the Houston Chronicle to members of the armed services in Vietnam.
​
Upon return from Vietnam, the dream of Millard's Crossing Historic Village in Nacogdoches became a reality. Lera resided in Nacogdoches until her death on July 23, 1993 where she was interred in Oak Grove Cemetery, the oldest cemetery in the county.​​