Inaugural El Camino Real Day to take place in October
In conjunction with partners across the trail, El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail Association (ElCaT) will be hosting its inaugural El Camino Real Day (ECRD) on Oct. 19.
The inaugural ECRD is intended to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the Camino Real being designated as a National Historic Trail (NHT) by the U.S. Congress on Oct. 18.
As an NHT, El Camino Real is part of an elite group of trails that make up the National Trails System. The system was established in 1968 and signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson to create a network of trails considered nationally significant to the American people. In the case of El Camino Real de los Tejas, it is because it is the road that led to the founding of Texas and Louisiana.
ECRD will take place at sites along the trail all the way from the Rio Grande to Natchitoches, Louisiana.
Events will vary from site to site and will consist of activities such as crafts and food demonstrations, presentations, walks along the historic route of the trail, the dedication of a newly accessible privately-owned site, and more! Interested parties are encouraged to visit https://tinyurl.com/elcaminoday to learn about an event near them!
Steven Gonzales, executive director of ElCaT states, “El Camino Real Day is the first time that sites across the trail will collectively be celebrating the Camino and what it means to our states and citizens. It is a great way for people to see and explore the trail, in numerous ways, and to learn about its role in these places that we cherish!”
Oct. 19 is especially significant this year for two Milam County families - the Baumanns and the Conners - as they will be officially opening a 2.2-mile retracement of the Trail on their private properties in the Ranchería Grande area.
The families have been working with ElCaT and the National Park Service for over two years to complete this project. It is one of very few private areas in Texas that will be open to the public to celebrate the early history of Texas.
This is a by-invitation-only event and space is limited to 10 people. Reservations will only be taken for up to two people at a time.
If you are interested in joining please contact staff@elcaminorealdelostejas.org. Once your reservation is confirmed, we will send you the event details.
The NHT is administered by the National Park Service in conjunction with numerous partners across the trail. ElCaT is the official nonprofit 501(c)(3) partner of the NPS and ElCaT seeks to protect the historic integrity of the trail, to educate the public about its significance, and to promote resource development, interpretation, and tourism along its path.