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| Wilson Introduces Bill to Give Historic Designation to Old Spanish Trail |
February 06, 2002 |
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Washington, DC-Congresswoman Heather Wilson today introduced a bill to amend the National Trails System Act and designate the Old Spanish Trail, which originates in Santa Fe, New Mexico and continues to Los Angeles, California, as a National Historic Trail.
“In the west, citizens from all walks of life have deep-rooted cultural and historic ties to the land,” said Wilson. “Designating the Old Spanish Trail as a National Historic Trail would allow for just what the act has intended, preservation, access, enjoyment and appreciation of the historic resources of our Nation.”
The Old Spanish Trail dates back to 1829 when it had a variety of uses, from trade caravans to military expeditions. For more than twenty years, the Old Spanish Trail was used as a main route of travel between New Mexico and California. Numerous Indian pueblos were situated along the trail serving as trading forums for the travelers. Today, more than one hundred and fifty years after the first caravans on the Old Spanish Trail, the historic charter of the trail lives on and the trail remains relatively unchanged since the trail period.
“The Old Spanish Trail is a symbol of cultural interaction between various ethnic groups and nations,” said Wilson. “Further, it is a symbol of the commercial exchange that made development and growth popular, not only in the west, but throughout the country.”
The National Trails System was established by the National Trails System Act of 1968, to promote the preservation of, public access to, travel within, and enjoyment and appreciation of the open air, outdoor areas and historic resources of the Nation. The Old Spanish Trail has been significant in many respects to many different people and is rich in history. Designating the Old Spanish Trail as a National Historic Trail will protect this historic route and its historic remnants and artifacts for public use and enjoyment indefinitely.
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