National Historic Trail Feasibility Study and Environmental Assessment. Old Spanish Trail.

摘要

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and desirability of designating the Old Spanish Trail as a National Historic Trail under the study provisions of the National Trails System Act (Public Law 90-543, 16 USC 1241, et seq.). Pioneered by Mexican trader Antonio Armijo in 1829, the Old Spanish Trail was a horse and burro pack route that connected Santa Fe and Los Angeles. In its early years, trappers, slavers, traders, and immigrants used parts or all of the Old Spanish Trail. Other variants of the trail developed as travelers sought adequate water, grazing, or shorter distances, smoother terrain, and safer passage. Over time, multiple, parallel, and intertwined routes developed. Many of these routes followed older trails developed by American Indians, and later followed by Spanish, Mexican, and other Euro-American explorers.