Welcome to the Old Spanish Trail!
A little history behind the trail
The Old Spanish Trail, one of the most arduous routes in America, was first known to the Spanish in the 16th century when they controlled much of what is now Southwestern USA. Spanish trappers and other tradesmen used the trails to trade with the Ute and other Native American tribes. Spanish explorer Juan Rivera had crossed what is near the eastern half of the route through what is now Colorado and Utah. Using information from explorers who had previously embarked on the trail, Antonio Armijo developed the route for the "official" Old Spanish Trail.
_____
Antonio Armijo
Antonio Armijo was a Spanish explorer and merchant famous for leading the first commercial caravan party between Abiquiú, Nuevo México and San Gabriel Mission, Alta California. The party consisted of 60 men and 100 mules. His route was based largely off of multiple routes that had been explored in that region. For example, he used a shortcut discovered by the explorer Rafael Rivera and also followed part of a route discovered during the Jedediah Smith expeditions. Despite partially following previously used routes, the trade party still had to traverse unknown land. Furthermore, during the last few days of the trip, the mule train ran out of supplies and the merchants had to rely on mule meat until they reached California. In California, they were able to successfully trade woolen goods such as serapes and blankets in exchange for surplus mules and horses. Like Becknell, Armijo paved a route extremely vital to American History.
_____
Trading & More
Pack trains extensively used by traders traveling from Santa Fe to California or even Colorado between the 1830s and the 1850s. What makes the Old Spanish Trail different from the other westward stretching trails throughout America is that it was inaccessible to wagons. This is because the rocky terrain could only be crossed by horses and mules. However, mules were preferred as they were more hardy. Along the way, some individuals also traded Native American Slaves, despite the existence of a trafficking ban. The trail was also extensively used during the Gold Rush of 1849 as many flocked to California hoping to strike gold. However, in addition to these people, outlaws also used the trail. They raided ranches and stole horses and/or household items.
Thanks to the Old Spanish Trail, New Mexico despite being a landlocked state was opened up to ports of Asian trade. Overall, Pacific trade became more common to the interior parts of the country. It can be seen that the Old Spanish Trail was vital to the Westward Expansion and economic prosperity.