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El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail

The El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail holds a surfeit of historical happenings, including the thriving cattle ranching trade during the Mexican period, Spain's struggle with its missionary work with Native Americans, and Texas's independence following the Spanish Colonial era. During that period, various "royal roads" linked North America to Mexico City. One of these trade routes is what we know today as El Camino Real de los Tejas, which was the primary route that the Spanish used during colonization and covers present-day northwestern Louisiana and Texas. Spain developed an interest in Texas after a French explorer tried to settle along the Texas Coast, a move they saw as a threat to their shipping routes through Mexico. The Spanish soldiers once passed the Rio Grande and tried to establish churches and a sedentary lifestyle among natives by introducing farming and ranching. When you visit the historic trail, you'll get to learn more about the struggle for Texan independence.

Things to Do

Things To Do Near El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail

Whenever you're traveling along El Camino Real de los Tejas, there are a number of sites that you can stop at to learn more about the historical events surrounding the region. Some activities to indulge in include hiking, checking out museum exhibits, going on a scenic drive in the many state parks along the trail, and visiting missions to get a deeper understanding of the trail's history. The trail passes through such Texas cities as Austin, San Antonio, and New Braunfels.

Hiking Trails

Sightseeing

Museums

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

map-marker-alt-regular How to Get There

How To Get To El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail

An RV trip for the El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail that begins in Louisiana is likely to start just south of 155 Jefferson Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457, the location of Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site. It's easy to locate the trail's location via markers and road signs present on site. 

Drive south on Front Street towards Trudeau Street if you're coming from the north of Natchitoches. Continue driving towards Jefferson Street, and once there, maintain the course for about 0.5 miles before making a left turn. Your destination should be a few feet on your left.

Address

1100 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87505

Fee: Entry fee $0

The national historic trail, El Camino Real de los Tejas, is a vital economic, cultural, and political link between Mexico City, Los Adaes (Louisiana), and cities in between. With multiple groups that traveled the route, you'll find a variety of traditions, music, languages, and arts created by the people who lived and traveled the trail. An RV trip across this historic path will be worthwhile as you can easily move across the trail and not run short of interesting discoveries.