El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail Association and the National Trails Intermountain Region of the National Park Service celebrated the 10th anniversary of the designation of El Camino Real as a National Historic Trail in San Antonio, Texas from October 16th – 18th. Sponsors for the event included the San Antonio River Authority, the San Antonio Conservation Society, the Alamo Area Council of Governments, Los Bexareños, the Hispanic Heritage Center of Texas, and others.
The event included a sign unveiling, the release of a book about the trail by Steven Gonzales, Joy Graham, and Dr. Lucile Estell, the release of the official map and guide for the trail by the NPS, a photographic exhibit of the trail, booths, presentations, and a tour of the trail through the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.
The celebration kicked off on October 16th with the unveiling of the first-ever, official NPS pedestrian signage in San Antonio. The ceremony took place at the Medina River Greenway and was attended by former Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and Bexar County Judge Nelson W. Wolff, both of whom spoke of their support for the development of the trail. Also in conjunction with the 10th anniversary, the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park placed site identification signs at all mission sites identifying them as part of El Camino Real de los Tejas NHT!
Speakers at Friday’s event presented on a wide range of topics about the Camino Real including presentations about Native Americans on the Camino Real, El Rancho de las Cabras, and Los Adaes as the first capital of Texas.
All in all, the event was a huge success that was enjoyed by many! We look forward to the next ten years and the many trail developments that will come with them!
