Old pump station: Historic remnants hidden on the banks of the Eno River

One such relic is the Water Pump Station. With stone walls standing 15 to 20 feet tall, it appears like fortress through the trees, overlooking the river. The basement is carved out, with pipes and jagged chunks of metal left rusting in the ground, creating a labyrinth effect.

The crumbling stone walls are carved right into the hillside--peering out over the Eno’s waving rapids to provide a view of the river and trees that's older than Durham itself.

"The story of Durham and the modern history of the Eno River are closely linked. There is no better place on the Eno to experience this intersection than at the Pump Station," according to the Eno River's website.

Durham's first post-office was established in 1853, marking the official beginning of the municipality. By 1869, it was incorporated by the General Assembly.

In those early years, Durham had no source of treated water. At the time, locals still sourced their water from nearby creeks and wells--including from the Eno River itself. Since the 1700s, the Eno had provided a reliable water source for settlers, who often set up mills and homesteads along its banks. More than 30 mills were located along the length of the Eno, the footprints of which still dot the banks today.

According to NC Parks, tribes like the Eno, Shakori and Occoneechee lived along the river when the first European explorers passed through. "Some of the tribes merged in the late 17th century and established a village near present day Durham. Settlers moved in during the mid 1700's to set up farms and gristmills," the Museum of Durham History wrote on an educational sign on the Pump Station Trail.

In 1887, a firm from Boston called A.H. Howland built the Durham Pump Station on the Eno River, right where it meets Nancy Rhodes Creek.

The water gathered here was pumped to Durham residents for the price of $6.00 each year.

Just as many hikers, swimmers and kayakers gather by the Eno River for summer activities today, the area was popular even then for residents hoping to keep cool in the summer.

"The spot became a popular site for picnicking and swimming," according to the Museum of Durham History. There were bath houses constructed nearby, and the Red Cross gave swimming lessons.

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However, as Durham rapidly grew, the site became too small to supply the city's needs.

In 1927, the site was abandoned.

For hikers looking to explore remnants of mills, overgrown cemeteries and more, a website highlighting Gems of the Eno provides maps of unique historic sites.

These historic structures are old and unstable. Hikers are advised to be cautious, not getting too close to these historic structures--and especially not touching or climbing on these historic relics, both for the safety of the hiker and the preservation of the historic structure.

Many secrets to North Carolina's past can be found in natural areas and hiking trails.

Email hleah@wral.com if you have any hidden history you'd love to see explored or investigated.

Watch the Hidden Historian explore the remains of the pump station in a live stream: