A huge crowd gathered at the Lucy Hill Patterson Memorial Library on Friday to hear Rockdale native Dr. John Pruett give an excellent presentation on the El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail (ELCAT) for National Trails Day 2022.
The Congressionally-designated, nationally-significant El Camino Real de los Tejas was originally established to connect a series of missions and posts extending from the Rio Grande to Los Adaes, the capital of Tejas on the northeastern frontier of New Spain. The trail constituted the only primary overland route from the Rio Grande to the Red River Valley, in Louisiana, during the Spanish Colonial Period from 1690 to 1812.
Dr. Pruett presented a video, made by the Rancheria Grande Chapter of The El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail, about the trail in Milam County and there was a question-and-answer period following.
Part of the historic trail is found in Gause near Sugarloaf Mountain on the property of landowners Joyce and Mike Conners, Elaine and Gene Baumann and Gerald Wise and the late Joan Wise. Each of their adjoining properties contain portions of the Rancheria Grande which was a gathering place where 22 Indian tribes convened for trade and information exchange. Many artifacts have been found on these properties and a small sampling was on display at the library.
Wagon rut remnants, referred to as “swales,” were found on the Conner, Baumann and Wise properties. The Conners and Baumanns are working to offer scheduled guided tours on their property in the future.
Sugarloaf Mountain, an important landmark for Native Americans, Spanish and early settlers, is part of the Rancheria Grande and the El Camino Real de los Tejas National Trail.
Sugarloaf Mountain is a significant historic site in Milam County. It is recognized by the Milam County Historical Commission, the Texas Historical Commission and the National Park Service for its historical importance.
The Rancheria Grande chapter of ELCAT supports the preservation of Sugarloaf Mountain as an important historic site. There is keen interest in preserving the land for public use as a park.
- Log in or Subscribe to post comments.