|
|
Pittsburg
is located in Northeastern Texas. The upper two-thirds of the East Texas region is dominated by the Piney Woods, which is a temperate forest that extends over 23,500 square miles. The Piney Woods is part of a much larger region of pine-hardwood forest that extends into Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma and it thins out as it nears the Gulf of Mexico. This is a beautiful area of fragrant pine forests, filled with lakes and seasonal wildflowers. The East Texas Wildflower Trail near Henderson offers itineraries April 1st – May 31st that take you along the best roadways for viewing the wildflowers, as well as historic sites, museums, dining and shopping. Evening primrose, Indian Paintbrush, Coreopsis, Dogwood and Azaleas are just a few of the wildflowers you will see along the way. There are five major lakes located within eighteen miles of Pittsburg that are reportedly among the best bass-fishing lakes in the state of Texas. These lakes are: Lake Bob Sandlin State Park, Lake Cypress Springs, Lake O’the Pines, Lake Monticello and Lake Welsh. Other recreational activities in the Pittsburg area include swimming, boating, water skiing, hiking, picnicking and camping. Crazy D Farms, just north of Jefferson, has a two and a half mile trail through the forest and also offers camping, picnic areas, a fishing pond and a petting zoo for children.
History abounds in the Pittsburg region and the town was designated a Historic Main Street City in 1986. The town is also home to two award-winning museums. In 1902, Pittsburg was the site of the reported flight of the Ezekiel Airship, a “flying machine” that predates the Wright Brothers first airplane. The aircraft was constructed at the Pittsburg Machine Shop, which is still standing, and was flown in a nearby pasture. A replica of the Ezekiel Airship can be seen at the Northeast Texas Rural Museum in Pittsburg, which also includes a restored railroad depot from 1901 and a historic farmstead. The Witness Park and Prayer Tower in Pittsburg features a tower with four Paccard bells from France and a chapel that “never closes.” Located on Main Street, the tower stands 68 feet tall and has the most advanced bell system, known as the “Renaissance Carillon.” To promote tourism, Pittsburg has joined with the cities of Mt. Vernon and Mt. Pleasant to create the “Trail of 3 Cities Scenic Driving Tour.” Pittsburg also participates in the Texas Historical Commission’s Texas Forest Trail Heritage Tourism Initiative. Other nearby areas of interest include the historic communities along the El Camino Real (Spanish for the King’s, or Royal, Highway,) including Nacogdoches, which is the oldest town in Texas. Along with San Augustine, Nacogdoches played a prominent role in gaining Texas’ independence from Mexico.
From birdwatching and antiquing to world-class fishing and fine dining, Pittsburg, Texas has something for everyone. Whether you’re coming for the day, a weekend getaway, or considering a more permanent move, Pittsburg will delight you with its hometown spirit and historic charm.
|
|
|
