Annual hiking event highlights history of Downtown Nacogdoches

NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KTRE) - The Nacogdoches Historic Sites organization celebrated National Trail Day with its annual Hike Through History on Saturday.

This free event shared information and stories about buildings and sites around downtown.

“I think of history as just, you turn the pages of time back and you’re there,” said participant Joe Martin.

Starting from the Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Center, hikers began making their way around the north side of downtown Nacogdoches. Participants took a hike through historic neighborhoods, trails and areas with significant stories. About 25 people participated in the mile-long hike.

“It’s a feeling that you’re not just reading about it, you’re walking the steps. You’re learning about it as you walk. It’s better than reading a book,” said Mary Losack.

Nacogdoches Historic Sites Manager Veronica Amoe said this is the third year they’ve put on this free hike.

“Typically, we try to incorporate a portion of one of our trails and some historic neighborhoods. Sometimes we go along Mound Street and talk about the houses there,” said Amoe.

On Saturday, the group made stops at Masonic Lodge, the Jones House, and the Storyteller’s Statute to talk about Nacogdoches trailblazer Dr. Ab Abernethy.

The tour was led by Jeff Abt.

As one of the key stops for this event, Dr. Ab Abernathy, known for his work on the Lanana Creek and Banita Creek trails, was recognized.

“There’s a theme here; It’s the stories that matter about people. Ab Abernethy could tell you just about anything, and if he didn’t know he would make it up and it would be a good story,” said Abt.

Losack said she participated in a tour last year and decided to share the experience with her grandchildren this year, so they’ll learn the history of Nacogdoches.

“Kind of like a living history that they’re able to actually walk the steps that people walked and the places that they dealt with to build a community,” said Losack.

Nacogdoches Historic Sites will host a free “Riders on the Orphans’ Train” Thursday, July 11 at 6pm at the railroad depot in Nacogdoches.