El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail Association seeks to protect the historic integrity of the trail, to educate and engage the public about its significance, and to promote resource development, interpretation, and tourism along its path.
As a non-profit partner of PNTS and NPS, we strive to build strong citizens groups to support the National Historic Trail. Through strong relationships with citizens, private-landowners, and local historical groups, we are designed to promote, protect, and conserve our historical and cultural resources. The Camino Real de los Tejas NHT is a nationally recognized and protected cultural resource connecting nations, cultures, and places through time. The association achieves its work through the strength of its volunteers, partners, and staff.
Major projects/programs:
- Lobanillo Swales in East Texas- Part of the Resource Protection Program, this project marked the first National Historic Trail association in the country to own a piece of a NHT, saving remnants of the Royal Road from destruction. It included evaluating historic records and maps to identify this site's connection to the Spanish Colonial Period, potentially revealing two historic Spanish ranches on one of the largest known physical remnants of the trail. Made possible with the support of several local businesses and individuals, this site is privately owned by the El Camino Real Association, and is open to the public to visit. This site contains NPS informational panels to learn more about this site.
- Red Mountain (or Naton Samox as it is known to the Tonkawa) in Milam County- Tonkawa Tribe of Oklahoma bought this land with the belief these lands were the site of the origins of their people. They agreed to partner with the association, who will serve to manage the lands and work to develop a publically-accessible park in the future to educate visitors on the history of this area and the tribe. Currently working on archeology studies out at Red Mountain to ensure thoroughness of protection and preservation of the history.
- Floresville El Camino Trail- The longest walkable trail along the El Camino Real is located in Floresville, Texas. With just over 2 miles of trails, parallel to the 19th century historic route, one can find the greatest number of informational panels and pedestrian panels, educating visitors on the history of Floresville and its importance to the trail. This site was made possible through the support and effort of our El Camino Real Chapter in Wilson County.