Old Spanish Trail (trade route)
History
The Old Spanish Trail was a historical trade route that connected the northern New Mexico settlements of Santa Fe, New Mexico with those of Los Angeles, California and southern California. Approximately 700 miles (1,100 km) long, it ran through areas of high mountains, arid deserts, and deep canyons. It is considered one of the most arduous of all trade routes ever established in the United States. Explored, in part, by Spanish explorers as early as the late 16th century, the trail saw extensive use by pack trains from about 1830 until the mid-1850s.
The Old Spanish Trail was initiated by a series of explorations of the Southwest by Spanish conquistadors and missionaries. The trail was used for trade among the Spanish colonies in present-day New Mexico and California. The route provided a direct link between the Spanish missions in New Mexico and the mission system in California. It also served as a vital commercial and military highway until the mid-19th century when new roads, railroads, and telegraph lines made it obsolete.
Route
The Old Spanish Trail followed a network of footpaths and pack trails that were used by Native Americans for trade and travel. The trail crossed several major river systems, including the Colorado River, the Green River, and the San Juan River. It also passed through a variety of terrain, from the high mountains of the Colorado Rockies to the arid deserts of Nevada and California.
The trail was divided into two main sections: the northern route and the southern route. The northern route, also known as the Main Old Spanish Trail, was the primary trade route. It ran from Santa Fe to Los Angeles, passing through the San Juan River basin, across the Colorado Plateau, and over the Mojave Desert. The southern route, also known as the Armijo Route, was used primarily for driving livestock. It ran from Santa Fe to Los Angeles, passing through the Mojave Desert and the San Gabriel Mountains.
Trade
The Old Spanish Trail was primarily a trade route. Traders used the trail to transport woolen goods from New Mexico to California, where they were exchanged for horses and mules. The return trip to New Mexico often included a cargo of California horses and mules, which were in high demand in the Southwest.
The trade along the Old Spanish Trail was not without its challenges. Traders had to contend with harsh weather, difficult terrain, and the threat of attacks from Native American tribes. Despite these challenges, the trade along the Old Spanish Trail was lucrative, and many traders made the journey multiple times.
Legacy
Today, the Old Spanish Trail is recognized as a significant part of the history of the American West. In 2002, it was designated as a National Historic Trail by the U.S. Congress. The trail is managed by the National Park Service, which provides interpretive services and works to preserve the trail's historic and cultural resources.
The Old Spanish Trail Association, a non-profit organization, also works to promote public awareness of the trail and its history. The association organizes events, publishes a newsletter, and maintains a website with information about the trail.