Robbie and Connor Casas tour the George Ranch’s newest exhibit: The Heritage Trail.
By Nick Nicholson –
The George Ranch Historical Park is already well-known for the four generations of one family that homesteaded the property over one hundred years. The farm, the prairie home, as well as the ranch mansion and complex have been visited for years by an adoring public, but now there is something new – celebrating the old – in store for the 70,000 visitors to the ranch each year. At a cost of a quarter of a million dollars, the newest edition to the ranch celebrates Fort Bend’s heritage in a brand new way.
On May 4th, the George Ranch Historical Park unveiled a half-mile immersive exhibit called The Heritage Trail. The trail runs along the banks of the Dry Creek in an area that previously had been off limits to all visitors. George Ranch Historical Park Executive Director Candace Jones is quick to point out the new addition isn’t simply a nature trail. “This is both a nature and a history trail. By combining the two, it makes this a very unique experience. The purpose is to educate visitors to a very interesting and often ignored concept of our cultural heritage. We often somewhat arrogantly announce that the pioneers were responsible for taming and harnessing the land here upon their arrival in 1836. Nothing could be further from the truth.” Jones went on to state, “Anyone who understands Mother Nature knows it was clearly the other way around. The early settlers had to adapt their entire lifestyle to utilize the natural resources of their new home or they simply would not survive. The mission of this trail is to explore and learn from this awareness.”
Approximately two years ago, Jones presented her vision to the George Foundation Trustees who were more than interested in creating this opportunity for the county and its communities. Once an expert trail designer was contracted to come in to assist in the design of the project and see it through to fruition, the scope of the project really began to take shape. The George Trustees accepted the final proposal and the 18-month construction process was set to begin. When ground was finally broken on the east bank of Dry Creek for The Heritage Trail, the employees really became excited seeing their hard work and vision becoming a reality.
“There is nothing else like this trail anywhere else in the world,” stated Jones. “The natural resources are abundant here. This trail is as innovative and as educational as they come.”
Jones was very pleased with the decision by the George Foundation to move forward and commit to bringing this trail to reality, something that was simply impossible to ignore during our interview. The concept of an interpretive trail is very important and personal to Jones. “For many years, I have wanted to incorporate this overlooked concept into the cognitive experience of those who visit our historical park. Although it is my opinion, you simply can’t completely understand the story of human history without considering the influence of the natural environment. You must also recognize the choices that were made by the pioneers who first settled this land and the adaptations they had to make in order to survive in this rugged environment.”
Those that choose to partake in the opportunity to experience this new combination trail at the George Ranch may very well have both an educational and emotional experience.
“The trail is designed to provide the public with a thought provoking and an interactive environment,” remarked Jones. “This trail is quiet and peaceful, yet it does provide the perfect setting to create an accurate representation of what the early settlers had to deal with when they moved into the area back in 1836.” This new self-guided trail is quite serene and definitely showcases the beauty and picturesque sections of the Dry Creek for the enjoyment of the public.
This unique trail and the creative opportunities that it will provide is the perfect fodder for family entertainment. What more could you ask for than the opportunity to see nature and history in its unmolested state? A visit to The Heritage Trail at the George Ranch Historical Park is simply a must for everyone, so put on your hiking boots, and check it out this summer. The George Ranch is in Richmond, Texas and is conveniently located off of FM 762. Visit www.georgeranch.org for more information.
Summer Fun at the George Ranch
Austa Sue Kelley and Leslee Gupton offer a period re-enactment of a proper Victorian Tea to summer visitors.
Looking for something fun and educational for the kids to do this summer? Consider the Hands On History Summer Program activities at the George Ranch Historical Park.
With different activities scheduled each week throughout the summer months, there are most certainly classes that will pique both you and your little one’s interest. Starting in the 1830s and culminating in the 1930s, the program offers period re-enactments of frontier life. Want to learn how to construct a real log cabin? Perhaps basket weaving is your hobby of choice? Maybe the art of hunting and trapping is more your style? Have you ever wondered how a real blacksmith did his work? There is something for everyone with the Hands On History Summer Programs at the George Ranch.
Chef Nick Castelburg demonstrates open-air cooking to a crowd of onlookers during a Chuckwagon lunch.
On July 13th, the ranch will host its 25th Anniversary Celebration. The park will be open free to the public in full celebration of the 25 years of being a part of the Fort Bend County community. The day will be full of games, 25 cent food and drinks and all the fun you can have in one day!
From June to August, at 7 pm on the first Tuesday of each month, the ranch will host a free series of lectures open to the public on a variety of different topics. Visit www.georgeranch.org for a full list of available activities and related dates to help make your summer fun.