African-American Trail Rides

Mr. Olga Smith was the first African-American to have trail rides in East Texas. He began the trail rides as a family reunion activity. The rides started in the mid-1960s. The first two rides went from Groveton to 'Upper Kickapoo". Some beautiful oak trees were all that was left of his parents home. The third year, the ride went from Groveton to the "Y" (intersection of U.S. Hwy 287 and State Hwy 94), where he had a rodeo, using his own livestock. His daughter, Rita Smith Danford and her siblings, carry on this tradition. The Trail ride and Rodeo marked it's 35th year, May 2002.

Mr. Smith is the one in the center with the white shirt and black tie. His son rides next to him.